2021 Ambassadors

Admire Muzopambwa

Age: 37

Hometown: Johannesburg

Occupation: Private Chef

About me:

Very active, love challenging myself. Health is my number one priority and lover of nature and wildlife. 

Sporting bio:

1 Keeping myself fit

2 Comrades Marathon Silver medalist (6:40) best

3 WFLWR 2 wins raising funds for spinal code injuries.

4 Marathon best time (2:28)

5 2 time 2nd runner up 50km trail run

Reason for taking challenge:

To help protect our wildlife for the future generation. Our lives thrive through nature and we must safeguard it and anything living in it

Personal sponsor:

LEDLenser

Squirrel's Nut Butter

Buttanut Spread

Rock Rabbit Sports

Morninga Moments

Asics Front Runner

Bix Hydration

Alexander Babich

Age: 55

Hometown: Johannesburg

Occupation: Financial and wealth manager

About me:

Life is in the end a collection of memories and experiences. Making a life worth living involves giving back.

True happiness involves making a difference in other peoples lives and protecting what we have.

To Protect and Conserve our natural Fauna and Flora we need to educate and uplift people addressing under education and over- population.

Support my established and professional financial, wealth and employee benefit business where a portion of our profits go to conservation and education projects.

Help me to Help conservation! We have amazing success stories.

I love SA, our people, trail running, financial planning and my favourite animal is the African Wild Dog. Would run anywhere to protect them!

Sporting bio:

Came 6th in The Giant Cup trail run a few years ago (never age)

Did Rhino Peak challenge as Novice under 4 hours previously.

Successfully started one of SA’s leading independent financial planning and employee benefit practices since 1999.

Helped EWT raise significant funds for the Waterberg Wild Dog conservation project.

Helping people and companies with their personal and business financial , investment and risk needs. Creating certainty and peace of mind.

Reason for taking challenge:

Making a difference to conservation and people

Spurgeon Flemington with EWT has done an incredible job raising funds for worthy projects.

I want my children to inherit a better future and their natural heritage conserved.

Wild Dog conservation is close to my heart of things to support as whole ecosystems need to be protected and gene pools saved.

The Drakensberg and Rhino Peak is stunning. What better way to celebrate our heritage and conserve what we have!

Personal sponsor:

Momentum

Jaltech Digital Investments

360ne Asset Management

Ethos

Ninety One

Canon SA

Discovery Health

Alexander Babich & Associates

Bongiwe Magagula

Age: 31

Hometown: Johannesburg

Occupation: Postgrad student

About me:

I’m a runner at heart and enjoy doing trails a lot. I started as a road runner and did my first trail run in 2019 and have not looked back since. My biggest achievements in running is finishing the Comrades marathon and UTD 32km. Looking forward to doing more trails and hopefully an ultra trail in the near future.

Sporting bio:

1. Comrades marathon 90km
2. Magaliesburg trail Challenge 25km
3. Ultra trail Drakensberg 32km
4. Soweto Marathon 42km
5. Ultra trail Cape Town 21km

Reason for taking challenge:

I would love to be part of a cause that supports the conservation of nature and its wildlife, as wildlife plays an important role in balancing the environment

Bruce Leslie

Age: 58

Hometown: Durban

Occupation: Regional Ranger: Special Operations SANParks

About me:

Started his career in Natal Parks Board in 1987 at Wildness Trails Ranger in IMfolozi Game Reserve. 1989: Appointed Trails Rangers in Kruger National Park

1995: Appointed as Section Ranger, he then managed four differ Ranger Sections in the Kruger National Park.

2007 to date: Transferred to Section Ranger: Special Operations based in Skukuza and currently serves as Regional Ranger: Special Operations. Managing the Special Ranger Unit

Sporting bio:

2017: Selected to represent Mpumalanga Province in the Ehlanzeni Triathlon Team at the SA Champs.

2018: Selected by Triathlon South Africa to represent South Africa and participated as an Age Group athlete at the ITU Fyn Multi-Sport Event held in Denmark in the Olympic Distance Duathlon Event.

2018: Selected by Triathlon South Africa to represent South at the ITU Triathlon World Championship Event held in September on the Gold Coast, Australia. (non-participation due to financial constraints)

2018: completed IORNMAN 70.3 Durban

2019: SA Duathlon & African Championship, Silver Medal in Age Group Category.

Reason for taking challenge:

Wildlife Management Authorities continually require extra funding and support in the protection of Rare and Endangered Species. Furthermore one continually needs to challenge oneself physically and mentally.

Byron Rode

Age: 35

Hometown: Cape Town

Occupation: CTO @ Yebo Fresh

About me:

Byron is a father of 2 amazing boys, a mountain goat and trail runner. He has been passionate about wildlife and loves spending time camping and being out in the wild.

He started running quite early in life, but the long-distance bug only bit in his early 30s.

When he is not running, he can be found surfing, hanging with his boys, building lego, and tinkering with robotics. Professionally he has been building software solutions for close on 2 decades.

Loves ice cold beer, and good red wine.

Sporting bio:

Sponsored skateboarder in his teenage years.

Was the smallest, and fastest forward (playing hooker) in primary school rugby for the Upper South Coast.

Held the high jump record in primary school.

Helped mentor young kids through a surf club, as well as surf lessons.

Worked for a charity that put new school shoes on feet for under-privileged kids in South Africa and some parts of Africa, raising funds through various sporting and fundraising events.

Reason for taking challenge:

I have always loved wildlife, and spent most of my early-twenties taking photos of, and spending time camping at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi.

I have felt immense sadness as I have grown older, realising that our rhino are critically endangered, and that my own children might be the last of their generation to be able to see their magnificence in the wild.

Being able to combine my love for the Drakensberg, my passion for mountain running, as well as being able to directly contribute towards the many causes who are working to protect the endangered habitants of the Rhino Peak and surrounds, makes the Rhino Peak Challenge a no-brainer, and I look forward to many more years helping to raise funds and awareness.

Personal sponsor:

Squirrels Nut Butter Africa

Christine Steyrer

Age: 34

Hometown: Bethlehem

Occupation: Veterinarian

About me:

Animals, nature, earth and world lover (and saver) ...and some humans too ;-)

I am born and raised in Austria and always had a deep love for animals and respect for nature and knew that I wanted to help animals from the age of 5, therefore became a veterinarian and have worked with a variety of different domestic and wildlife species and also done my master’s on elephants - not rhino but also a megaherbivore, that needs protection. Now I am working and living at Lionsrock Big Cat sanctuary, taking care of Big cats as animal welfare and conservation is my passion and purpose.

Growing up in Austria, skiing is almost a given in our small but very beautiful country, (most people start when they are 4 or 5 years old) - as a third of it are mountains (well more or less). Hiking became enjoyalbe for me much later only, whereas now it is my go to, to relax, rewind, reset and regain energy. I enjoy mountains especially, because they just are - and I always come back happier after time spent there, does not matter if it is the Alps or the Drakensberge, some people meditate, I go hiking :-)

Sporting bio:

I have not competed much in sports and I am not a fast runner, but tried a very wide variety of different kinds, but enjoy mostly hiking and climbing mountains (and scuba diving) and being outdoors generally. Some achievements include but are not limited to the following names:

1) Table mountain and Sentinel (starting out easy)

2) Cathedral peak and Champagne Castle

3) Hoher Sonnblick and Grossvenediger (please look them up, they are amazing)

4) Grossglockner (Austrias roof)

5) Kilimanjaro (Africas roof)

Reason for taking challenge:

I have heard about this challenge (and passively supported) from my dear friend Marion - Rhino peak queen of 2020, and thought this was such a great event - thinking to myself: Maybe I can participate next year. Great idea and even greater combination, climbing mountains (running, hiking whatsoever, most importantly being a part of it) and doing it for a great cause - to help protect what we love: Animals and nature! I could not be more excited to actually be part of it this year with great like-minded earthlings.

Craig Charity

Age: 37

Hometown: Drummond, Hillcrest

Occupation: Entrepreneur

About me:

I am a husband to Wendy, Father to Emily (11), Levi (9) and Rebecca (5). I’m the founder and owner of Lineage Coffee, I have no idea how but I tend to get obsessed about things and this one became my source of income. I love people but need to recharge away from them. Nothing rejuvenates me more than being alone in the Berg.

Sporting bio:

I won the SA Barista Champs in 2013, placed 15th in the world champs in Italy in 2014 and won the all African Barista Champs in Ethiopia 2017. I finished the KK50 miler in 2020 and I solo ran the Mont-Aux Sources in 2019.

Reason for taking challenge:

I love nature and believe that everything has a place and needs to be there, in order for there to be balance in an ecosystem. As the species that has upset the natural balance, it is our responsibility to try our best to take ownership of the problem. When one animal is endangered and possibly becomes extinct the ripple effect of that is exponential. The other less depressing reason is that I love the mountains and running quietens my brain.

Personal sponsor:

Glue Devil

Dale Thomas

Age: 38

Hometown: Nottingham Road

Occupation: Doctor

About me:

Originally from the Cape, imported by a beautiful farmers daughter to the KZN midlands, and loving living in this rural space. Two awesome little people keep me busy at home, otherwise exploring the hills with three spoilt Labradors (living their best lives) is food for the soul.

I have a small caffeine problem, love space, love change, love adventure. Work for myself. Eternally restless. Learning that the journey is better than the goal.

Sporting bio:

Dad twice – amazing, crazy!

Newby runner

Sani2c completed twice

Midmar Mile a couple of times

Duzi canoe marathon once

Reason for taking challenge:

The world is changing, humanity is encroaching on nature, and unless we dig our heels in and nurture what is left, our children will not be able to enjoy what we have been fortunate enough to experience. This is our home, and the guys at the Rhino Peak Challenge are doing brilliant work to help preserve this

David Fick

Age: 27

Hometown: Durban

Occupation: Sales Manager

About me:

I am an amateur runner that tries to use my platform @daveyontherun to inspire and motivate all those around me. I touch on the core fundamentals of my lifestyle which are running, peak performance, motivation, inspiration, health, lifestyle & self-love. Coming from a background of uncertainty in life and what my purpose was I was fortunate enough to have stumbled across my burning passion in life which is running. The sport has taught me so much about myself in such a short space of time & allowed me to become the absolute best version of myself.

Sporting bio:

1 - Marathon PB – 2h 52 minutes

2 – 76km in 24 hour challenge

3 – 12 Marathons in 12 months

4 – Holding Charity events for Safe Haven Dog rescue

5 – 4th Place 2021 Maxirace 45m trail run

Reason for taking challenge:

I have a massive love for wildlife and have been brought up in a family that spends almost all of their time in the bush. Rhinos hold a particularly sweet spot in my heart. I hope to one day show my kids an increasing Rhino population in our country. In order to do this, we need initiatives like the RPC

Personal sponsor:

Wintergreen

Runex

Big Shot

Asics Frontrunner

Versus Socks

Davis Moagi

Age: 52

Hometown: Gauteng, Pretoria

Occupation: Professional Nurse

About me:

Calm content person, fun loving. Lover of nature.

Self motivated, socialite and a adventurous individual. I enjoy traveling the the world to meet different natives

Sporting bio:

Participated at Cape Town marathon more than 8 times

Once Participated at Sani Stagger marathon

Participated at Philippines OYM race where I took position 4

Ran Two Ocean ultra marathon

Ran Foot of Africa marathon

Reason for taking challenge:

As a lover of nature and adventure, preservation of our wildlife and the environment is important to me. The aim of the Rhino Peak Challenge is to facilitate raising funds for this. I am willing to assist where I can to help achieve this goal

Erick Francis

Age: 31

Hometown: Pretoria

Occupation: Self Employed – OURWater (Pty) Ltd

About me:

I have walked a rather corrugated path with mental health and the thing that ultimately saved me and enabled me to turn things around was endurance sport and personal connections.

In the beginning of computers, we needed to ‘defrag’ our hard drives to get rid of corrupt files and I believe that running does this for our brains. 

A positive outlook on the future is something that hard days of running has forced me to learn and is a skill that we need to teach in our everyday life.

I try and live my life according to the principals of extreme ownership. Blaming people, situations, and things for not being happy and fulfilled has never made anyone happy, but also remember that the reason the cashier, teller, cleaner is not smiling is your faulty, so better make her smile.

I founded a company that focuses on water conservation.  South Africa is currently the 30th driest country in the world and what better way to uplift people and communities then to secure our water resources…something that is only possible by working together.

Sporting bio:

During level 5 lockdown I ran the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in my 35m driveway.

In 2019 I ran a 100 miler on a 1km circuit.

Comrades Marathon – If you feel like emigrating; go and be a spectator on the day – you won’t leave.

Ironman 70.3 – 1 finish but the 1 DNF taught me more.

Reason for taking challenge:

Our country needs hope, real and tangible hope.  We need to connect with our fellow citizens, see the humanity in each other despite our differences.  I believe by supporting and rallying around worthy causes like this, where the positive impact is tangible, is the best way to do that.

No one has ever been mad at someone that helps them with a worthy cause.

Personal sponsor:

africaMASSIVE

OURWater

Gabor Lukacs

Age: 38

Hometown: Forest Hills

Occupation: Veterinary Surgeon

About me:

A veterinary surgeon, blacksmith, conservationist, traveller. I took a long journey from Hungary before I came to Africa where my home is now. 

Sporting bio:

Most of my life I have been doing functional training, cross fit (we didn’t know what it is called) and different martial arts. Let’s see if that will be enough to make a run up the hills. 

Reason for taking challenge:

Wildlife conservation is one of my passions. I had the privilege to work along with the Game Capture team of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and Wildlife ACT during my community service. The Rhino Peak Challenge is a great idea to give back to Nature.

Personal sponsor:

Ntombi Weavers

Crescent Vet

Flexochem

Kwa-Dube Medical

Vet2Pet Deli

Dr. Penelope Alison

Gareth Stobie

Age: 41

Hometown: Johannesburg

Occupation: Investment Management

About me:

From Jozi but daydream of the Drakensberg.

Ticking off bucket list trail runs/hikes as I go.

Grew up in Maritzburg and married to Tessa, we have two incredible sons.  Investment management executive at CoreShares.

Sporting bio:

• Half blues for Rowing at university & selected for inter-varsity (SASSU) Grudge crew
• Competed at Head of the Charles rowing regatta (USA) 2014
• Mt Meru (4,566m) – highest peak climbed
• Completed Drakensberg Ultra 62km (2021)
• Consistent winner of longest round at CCJ

Reason for taking challenge:

I thought I would borrow a quote: ‘The intimate rapport with nature is one of the most precious things in life. Nature is indeed very close to us; sometimes closer than hands and feet, of which in truth she is but the extension. The emotional appeal of nature is tremendous, sometimes almost more than one can bear’ (Jan Smuts). “I Can’t wait to combine the physical achievement with the fundraising achievement with hopefully an enduring impact on the conservation projects!”

Personal sponsor:

Easy Equities

CoreShares

Wealth Associates South Africa

Morning Star

Inn8

Heloise Hunter

Age: 33

Hometown: Durban

Occupation: Instructional designer

About me:

I love to play outside, be it climbing trees, running trails, balancing on fences, or taking photos. I am passionate about racial, gender, economic, and environmental justice. I currently work at GetSmarter/2U developing curriculum content for online short courses. I live in Durban with my husband and two cats. We escape to the bush or berg as often as we can! (And leave the cats at home with plenty of food and no supervision.)

Sporting bio:

Completed Sani Stagger 21km in 2016, Stagger Trail 21km in 2018, UTD SDR and Otter African Trail Run in 2019, and Rhino Peak Challenge in 2020.

Reason for taking challenge:

Conservation in KZN has gifted me some of my happiest moments. Seeing a Rhino, Vulture, or Crane is an absolute highlight! Our natural spaces and the megafauna and birds which inhabit them need to be protected. It is an honour to contribute to the organisations that keep these creatures and wild spaces safe

Jacques Maré

Age: 28

Hometown: Umdloti, KZN

Occupation: Structural Engineer

About me:

Structural engineer by day, adventure seeker by... well... all the time. I am inspired by the mountains and spend most weekends exploring the outdoors.

Lately, trail running has really been a useful tool in my career as an engineer. I have learned that no mountain is too tall or too difficult to conquer when you are prepared to do what is needed. Of course, taking on these ‘mountains’ with the right people also makes all the difference

When I’m not on site or in the mountains, I am probably spending time with my friends “planning” our next trip. You only YOLO once!

Sporting bio:

1. Hiked to Annapurna basecamp in Nepal, with a mate (this was also my first overnight hike).

2. Survived the swim in Half iron man. Really something for someone who couldn’t swim 50m without a break.

3. Our garage band managed to get playlisted by our university station when TUKS FM still played some punk rock music.

4. I kept most of my hair for about 25 years.

5. Backpacked in Morocco and summited the tallest mountain in North Africa. Got to share this moment with some good friends.

Reason for taking challenge:

I spend most of my free time in nature, either running, cycling, or sitting by a campfire. Over the years it has become clear that if our generation does not step up to become the change we want to see, we could lose some species forever. The Rhino Peak Challenge is a way for me to try and step up to protect and create awareness about something I genuinely love

Personal sponsor:

Struxit Projects

Jarryd Foster

Age: 25

Hometown: Waterfall, KwaZulu-Natal

Occupation: Priority Species Monitor, Wildlife ACT

About me:

I am the senior priority species monitor for Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, and I am passionate about the conservation of African species. Growing up visiting game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal, it is a privilege to work towards conserving the species I loved seeing as a child.

I’m always up for a challenge and love spending time in wild places. I’ve always enjoyed endurance sports but an alarming lack of training recently may leave me suffering.

Sporting bio:

• Completed the inaugural Wildlife Ranger Challenge in 2020
• Completed the Wildlife Ranger Challenge in 2021
• Completed the Durban Ultra Sprint in 2019
• Represented KwaZulu-Natal at the National Adventure Racing Championships
• Completed the Amashova Durban Classic

Reason for taking challenge:

I am competing in the Rhino Peak Challenge because I see firsthand the financial constraints facing conservation efforts. Rhinos and vultures are each iconic and critical species in our ecosystems, and it is an honour to play even a small part in their conservation.

I think it is important for conservationists to take part in events such as these that are designed to raise money for the causes they care most deeply about. It is a privilege to represent Wildlife ACT in this challenge, knowing that the money raised is utilised in the daily conservation work which keeps these species from extinction.

Jeremy Borg

Age: 61

Hometown: Paarl

Occupation: Winemaker

About me:

Born in Joburg, blessed to grow up in Malawi and board at schools in the bush in Zimbabwe. After 15 years in the UK and USA, studying, failing at accountancy, cooking and working in a winery, In 1994, I accidently ended in Botswana, as chef at Lloyds camp in Savuti. Safaris there were recognized amongst the very best, as was its food. Emma and I married under a huge Erioloba near Savuti’s famous pump pan in November 1995, and on that day we pledged to dedicate our lives to conservation. I returned to SA to continue my wine career in 1996 as commercial manager for Fairview, completing a post grad degree in Wine business during this time. We began making wine in 2005, and after modest commercial success decided to develop the wine business to sustainably fund conservation. Painted Wolf Wines was founded in 2007. Since then we have gone from strength to strength, making fantastic wine, and contributing over R3,5 million to conservation. We work mostly with wild dogs, but also support the conservation of for other species and support Children in the Wilderness

Sporting bio:

I am really not much of a sportsman but like long distance cycle challenges I rode a bike solo in UK from my most southern customer in Cornwall over a circuitous route to the most northern one in Edinburgh, 1500kms over 2 weeks- a few great Pedals 4 Paws fund raisers from Madikwe to Mashatu, Maun to Hwange, Mana pools to Gonerazhou, HIP to Hlane in Swaziland and recently in the Waterberg and Limpopo. Oh yes, I completed 5 Tour de Tuli events I have run a couple of half marathons and managed to do 42 kms- my longest run (for which I never trained!) at the 2 oceans a few years ago. I missed my half marathon time slot and ended up in the marathon starting box. I thought what the hell, I might as well get on with it and try to run the 56km race- sadly I had a knee issue and withdrew at 42kms

Reason for taking challenge:

We have been supporting the EWT for 10 years. Tammy asked me if I would like and to take part in the challenge and told me what a lot of fun it is. It seemed like a great idea. I have never done anything like this before, but why not - but I will be slow! The Challenge supports Vultures and cranes, both of which we have supported in the past.

Personal sponsor:

Painted Wolf Wines

Jeren Seegers

Age: 36

Hometown: Johannesburg

Occupation: Finance and Strategic Manager at GHR Packaging

About me:

My work requires me to follow trends in the industry and make forecasts while finding solutions to current issues.

As much as I enjoy good company, I am equally comfortable with solitude or an interesting book.

I like a challenge, an adventure, always wanting to evolve and get to know what’s and why’s about the world, nature and the environment.

My interest in music and art has led me to learn more and can often be found at an art exhibition or dabbling on instruments.

Participating in sports has led me to travel more, mostly triathlon, but I am game to join any sport discipline that requires me to get the heart rate up.

Sporting bio:

2 x 5150 PE Winner

70.3 Turkey Winner 2017

12th 70.3 World Champs 2016 (30-34)

Completed SkyRun 2010

Reason for taking challenge:

For me this challenge blends everything together. From a passion to help Wildlife, to being out in the natural surrounds as well as trying to show some athletic prowess. It provides a challenge that cannot be taken for granted and supports a cause that requires incredible amounts of attention.

John Evans

Age: 49

Hometown: Johannesburg

Occupation: Business Rescue Practitioner

About me:

I am a keen sportsman and am still actively playing tennis, hockey and golf. Whilst running without a ball to chase is a chore, it is much easier knowing that I am training for the monumental challenge of completing the Rhino Peak Challenge.

Each year I try to spend as much time as possible out and about exploring the beauty of South Africa. Opportunities to head to the bush and all things wildlife are impossible to resist and inevitably almost every holiday involves some hiking, birding or game viewing.

Sporting bio:

Climbed Kilimanjaro (2013) in support of UNHCR

Spotting a Leopard again after 17 years without seeing one!

Survived living in Australia for 4 years and more impressively Scotland for 1!

Reason for taking challenge:

I am keen supporter of the work done by EWT and am always on the lookout for ways to contribute.

The Rhino Peak Challenge is a unique opportunity to raise awareness of and much needed funds for EWT whilst enjoying the beauty of the Drakensberg.

It is for me a privilege to play a small part in and support the fight for the survival of Rhinos, Vultures and Cranes all of whom will benefit from the funds raised by the 2021 Rhino Peak Challenge.

Personal sponsor:

RS Advisors

John Rees-Evans

Age: 43

Hometown: Arusha, Tanzania

Occupation: Expedition Organiser

About me:

Since 2004 I’ve been organising mountain climbing expeditions and game viewing safaris in Tanzania and have been privileged to oversee more than 10,000 successful summit attempts. I’m currently in training to attempt the world’s first one-day vertical 5km ascent from the very base of Kilimanjaro at 770 metres to the summit at 5,895 metres, to raise funds for a well that will supply water to 4,000 Maasai tribespeople in northern Tanzania.

Sporting bio:

- Solo, unsupported cycle ride from Geneva to Jerusalem in 1997

- Solo, unsupported cycle ride from Los Angeles to New York in 2000

- Unsuccessful speed climb attempt of Everest’s North Face in 2002

- Solo, unacclimatised speed climb of Kilimanjaro in 10 hours 25 in 2005

- Euro Man of Steel Run from London to England’s South Coast (106km) in 2015

Reason for taking challenge:

For 17 years I've had the privilege of helping visitors witness the wonders of an African safari. One of the highlights of these safaris is encountering a rhino in its natural habitat. The fact that we now have fewer than 1% of the rhino population extant at the turn of the previous century should alarm and horrify us all. The good news is that this decimation is preventable - but only with your help. Please don't procrastinate or leave it to others. Please give whatever you can to arrest the senseless destruction of these beautiful, peaceful creatures and help us preserve our rhino for future generations of those who love nature.

Personal sponsor:

Team Kilimanjaro

Jon Mellberg

Age: 51

Hometown: Bluffton, USA

Occupation: Investments

About me:

After a long career with investment banks and hedge funds, I now spend much of my time on wildlife conservation and have a particular interest in alternative financing mechanisms. I’m the current board chair at Conservation Strategy Fund and a board member at both the Dry Creek Foundation and Okavango Capital Partners.

Sporting bio:

Haha on 5. I qualified twice for the USA Amateur National Championship in triathlon. Over the years I’ve also competed in dozens of running and multisport races of varying distances from 5k to half-ironman. Results ranged from pretty good to middling. The only race I ever won outright was on a Tuesday evening which is fairly telling.

Reason for taking challenge:

I am passionate about the rhino and deeply admire the work that Wildlife Act does more broadly to support endangered species.

Kate Quin

Age: 36

Hometown: Underberg

Occupation: Paramedic

About me:

I am a wife, mom to 3 girls, manager / paramedic involved with Underberg EMS and am on the KZN mountain rescue team. I am passionate about the Drakensberg mountains and find any excuse to run, horse ride, rock climb or hike in their beauty.

Sporting bio:

Partaking in Lesotho Ultra, finishing Rhino Peak Challenge 2020 in challenging weather conditions, completing my first 50km in August this year, rock climbing up rhino peak, enjoying the Giants Cup Trail Run.

Reason for taking challenge:

The protection of rhinos is something close to my heart and I think this challenge is a great way to draw attention to the beauty of the Drakensberg mountains while raising awareness for both its conservation as well as the protection and conservation of these endangered and iconic creatures.

On a personal note, I think it sets a good example to my 3 daughters to see their mom involved in a worthy cause such as this.

Katherine De Groot

Age: 48

Hometown: Durban

Occupation: House Wife

About me:

First and foremost I’m a Mom and wife, I had the privilege of having three beautiful children and wonderful  husband.  Unfortunately my middle child Sarah passed away in 2012, this was honestly one of the most traumatic times of my life ever, so much so I didn’t want to live.. I have always been a very competitive and positive person even when life knocked me down I would pick myself up,  I’m a very tenacious person with an incredibly strong will, no matter how high the mountain in life I will persevere until I succeed!

I have an incredibly special bond with my daughter Janine as she not only shares my passion for life but she too is a born fighter,  our sporting  adventures began together about 2 years after the death of my daughter and her sister. In memory of Sarah in 2015, we as Mom and daughter ventured out to run Janine’s  1st Comrades (she was also the youngest runner that year) and my 10th Comrades Marathon. Since then we have continued to run together as Mom and daughter Duo of which we hope to do again when we summit the Rhino Peak in November. In addition I’m married to a man who shares my passion for wildlife. Barry has participated in the RACE FOR RHINOS  on the Sua Pans in Botswana in order to raise funds  for the safety and conservation of the 4 Rhino that were introduced into the area from South Africa.  I was fortunate enough to be part of his ground support, I’m  a passionate person, a person of conviction,  yes I may be One person but that’s exactly what it takes. I protect what is important to me and our National Heritage . Being a Mom has highlighted the importance of protecting our National Heritage as if we don’t do something there will be nothing left for our future generations.  To me the preservation and conservation of all our wildlife should be treated as the Holy grail, as the old adage goes “If Good Men do Nothing, evil will prevail.

In conclusion I would like to add my favourite quote by Theodore Roosevelt “Better to dare mighty things than to live in a grey twilight where there is neither victory nor defeat “ 

Sporting bio:

2000- 25th lady home , Comrades Marathon up run. 7HR40.

2000- Natal Colours , Marathon Champs, Selected for Natal Cross country team, Runner of the year 2000, 2001 for my Club

2001- 20th Lady home, Comrades Marathon Down run, 7HR39 . Won Ladies Team shield (1st team) won a Gold medal.

2005- 4th Natal Iron Lady, Comrades,  Duzi and MidMar Mile.

Completed 2 Amashova Cycle Races (106)

Completed 1 Duzi Canoe Marathon

Completed 2 MidMar Mile swimming races

Completed 12 Comrades,  Green number 5745

Completed 2 Oceans Marathon best time 4Hr36 (56km)

Reason for taking challenge:

From the age of 7 years old I was fortunate enough to spend many a holiday in the Drakensberg,  I have always loved the mountains, nature and Hiking. It was always my sanctuary even more so now since the parting of my eldest daughter Sarah it is the one place where I feel closest to her. More so it is our duty as fellow South Africans to help protect and raise awareness wherever possible for our beautiful and great Escarpment of Southern Africa. Considering that the Maloti Drakensberg Park World Heritage site is renowned for its spectacular natural landscape, its importance as a haven for many threatened and endemic species and Wildlife, it must be protected.

An alarming statistic is that at the beginning of the 20th Century 500 000 Rhinos roamed Africa and Asia, and today, around 27 000 Rhinos remain in the wild. Furthermore it is a shocking statistic that 3 Rhinos are killed each day for the horn. It is also reported that the subspecies (white Rhino) is considered critically endangered and possibly extinct in the wild.  We also need to protect our critically endangered vultures namely the bearded vulture and Cape Vulture and considering that the Drakensberg region is the breeding stronghold this is even more motivation and reason to be part of the RPC.

Personal sponsor:

Global Sourcing Solutions

Uretek

Rising Sun

Specialized Mouldings

Devtech Civils

Lauren Canham

Age: 29

Hometown: Underberg

Occupation: Fin Tech

About me:

I work in Fin Tech but find adventures to go on at every opportunity. I have been privileged to have been born and lived in Underberg my whole life. This has allowed me to spend many hours hiking in the berg, canoeing on the Umzimkulu and running in the foothills. When not doing one of these things, I have spent a lot of time in the bush and have become somewhat of a self-proclaimed bird nerd. I am hugely passionate about conserving the incredible environment and species that we have in Southern Africa.

Sporting bio:

2nd U18 Lady – Dusi Canoe Marathon

Canoe Polo half colours (UKZN)

KZN Canoeing Colours

Reason for taking challenge:

Having always had Rhino Peak close by, I have climbed to the summit numerous times and most often taken friends up Rhino to show off our piece of the berg. There are few things better than to see someone experience the climb and summit the Peak for the first time. I think the only thing that could outshine this, is summiting Rhino as a RPC Ambassador and contribute to raising money for something so close to my heart. As someone who derives so much joy from nature, it would be a huge privilege to be able to make a contribution to ensuring its future. It continues to be so important to me that we conserve what we have now, so that one day our children and then their children will be able experience this ecological gift.

Personal sponsor:

Dirt Road Outfitters

Luke Michaelides

Age: 24

Hometown: George, Western Cape

Occupation: Veterinarian

About me:

I’m a veterinarian, conservationist and an all-round nature lover who has a passion for saving animals.

I’m currently doing my compulsory community service year in the Eastern Cape, where I spend most of my time helping people and animals in the rural areas with primary animal healthcare.

I’ve always loved animals and spending time in nature and feel that my job allows me to do that every single day.

My favourite hobbies include birdwatching, hiking, playing golf and soccer and spending time in nature.

I love adventures and seeing new places.

Sporting bio:

When it comes to sport, I can’t quite say that I’m the most amazing sportsmen, but I love sport and have played lots of sport throughout my life – pretty much every sport you can think of.

I played first team cricket and rugby in high school, and was a good 800m and 1500m runner, excelling at inter-school championships. At university I played cricket and hockey, and I currently play soccer for a local club, as well as being a keen golfer and runner.

Reason for taking challenge:

The Rhino Peak Challenge is an amazing initiative that is doing so much to conserve rhinos, vultures and cranes, and I think it’s something that I just have to be a part of. I’m currently doing my Masters study in white rhino – we’re evaluating the stress response in white rhino immobilized with different drug combinations to see which drug combination is the safest to dart rhino with. I’ve seen first-hand how the rhino population has declined over the years and would like to do everything I possibly can to try and conserve the species. I’m also a keen birdwatcher and feel that the Rhino Peak Challenge is a perfect way for me to combine my love for birds and rhinos in a way that will help to conserve all of these species.

Lynda Verster

Age: 48

Hometown: Waterfall, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Occupation: Self Employed Business Woman

About me:

I reside in Waterfall, KZN and am a member of Hillcrest Villagers Athletic Club. I have been running most of my adult life, I take my sport seriously and do it because I enjoy it and I make sure I have fun along the way. I am also an active paddler having completed 3 Dusi Canoe Marathons.

I lost both my parents to Cancer over the past 5 years and this has made me more determined than ever to live my life to the fullest and to give back where I can.

Sporting bio:

Comrades 2019 (Raising funds for Running4Paws)

Dusi 2018, 2019 and 2020

Karkloof Trail Series 21km challenge

Midmar 2020

Reason for taking challenge:

I have an immense love and compassion for animals, nature and the outdoors. There is no better satisfaction than to give back to those less fortunate.  I have always wanted to hike to the top of Rhino peak and now I can do it and raise funds to benefit the beneficiaries of this awesome Challenge!

Personal sponsor:

Vibe Marketing South Africa

Mapaseka Makoae

Age: 32

Hometown: Mokhotlong Lesotho

Occupation: Tour guide

About me:

Tour guide @ Sephokong tours, bearded vulture monitoring in Lesotho& UTD100km co-ordinator in lesotho.

Reason for taking challenge:

Saving the wildlife has been a life changing thing and has brought me into reality of connecting to mother nature. I want to support everyone involved in this program 

Personal sponsor:

Wildlife act

Marion Leiberich

Age: 33

Hometown: Somerset West

Occupation: Veterinarian working in the field of wildlife research

About me:

I am originally from Germany (half German – half French) and moved to South Africa about 7 years ago in order to pursue a career in wildlife conservation. I started my PhD at the University of Pretoria and worked on a research project to improve the treatment options for poached rhino victims. Currently, I am a postdoctoral fellow researching options to improve the wellbeing and welfare of rhinos during translocations. My love for the outdoors, for adventure and our natural world led me to the sport of trail running. Today, I can’t imagine my life without my daily dose of trail running/exploring/hiking anymore. In the mountains, together with my trail hounds, I feel most alive and find strength, resilience, peace and happiness.

Sporting bio:

First female at the Rhino Peak Challenge 2020

Winner Cape Winelands Maxi Race 20 km

2nd Ultra Trail Cape Town 21 km

Winner Voet van Africa Halfmarathon

3rd Knysna Forest Half Marathon

Reason for taking challenge:

Rhinos, and wildlife conservation in general, are very close to my heart as I have dedicated the past 7 years of my career to rhino conservation. I have also spent a great amount of time running (in the mountains), exploring and improving as an athlete. So, running to raise money and awareness about the alarming plight of some extraordinary wildlife species is the perfect combination of my passions - I love running and now I can run for what I love and what I want to protect!