2016 Ambassadors - Grand Total Raised in 2016: ZAR 319501.00

Alexander Babich

Age: 50

Hometown: Johannesburg

Occupation: Financial Consultant Wealth Manager

About me:

- Live life tot the fullest
- Surround yourself with good people
- Enjoy Nature
- Like working with people
- Keep learning

Sporting bio:

No Olympic medals but have played most sports like tennis, golf and squash at a competitive level. "Discovered" Trail Running properly in 2013 and came 6th at the age of 50 in recent Giant's Cup Trail Run.

Reason for taking challenge:

Wildlife Conservation and management is crucial to ensure future generations inherit a healthy and sustainable planet. Efforts like the Rhino Peak Challenge create environmental awareness and protection of both endangered species and habitat.

Personal sponsor:

Alexander Babich & Associates

Andrew Booth

Age: 36

Hometown: Howick, KwaZulu-Natal

Occupation: Trail Race Director

About me:

I decided to follow my passion for trail running a few years ago and have not looked back. The mountains, specifically the Drakensberg, are my sanctum.

Sporting bio:

- Winner of Mutter (more by luck than judgement)

Reason for taking challenge:

I’ve never been all the way up Rhino and thought that this was the best possible way do it for the first time- raising money to save the Rhino.

Personal sponsor:

KZN Trail Running

Christiaan Greyling

Age: 31

Hometown: Stellenbosch

Occupation: Supply Chain Engineer

About me:

I love trail running because it enables me to see epic places in a very short time where most people will never go, I love trail running because it teaches us to be humble, that all we really need in life is a few healthy snacks, trail shoes water and appreciation, I love trail running because it allows me to test new Salomon gear, push my boundaries, and appreciate the precise engineering of the design, I love trail running because it brings me closer to my Creator, Trail Running is more than a sport – It is a lifestyle!

Sporting bio:

- 1st Ultra Trail Cape Town
- 2nd Trans Alpine run (8-day stage race in Europe)
- 1st & Record – 40km Table Mountain Challenge 2014
- 2nd in Expedition Africa 2012, 33rd ranked in World
- 3rd in SA Champs Long Distance Mountain Running 2016

Reason for taking challenge:

It is an amazing feeling to run, be outside and share experiences like these with fellow athletes, but it is priceless to take part in a charity event and give back to a good cause. This is a way we can all be part in sacrificing a little bit to make a huge impact on our heritage and our natural surroundings.

Personal sponsor:

Cebe eyewear

SuperBar

Once Hotel Cape Town

Activepatch4U

Extreme Lights

Runstrong (Coaching)

Salomon ambassador (Shoes & clothing)

Buff headwear

Suunto (Sport watches)

Deon Braun

Age: 49

Hometown: Durban

Occupation: Magazine publisher (TRAIL)

About me:

Deon is the founder of TRAIL magazine. He has run and dabbled in other endurance sports since 1982. He runs for relaxation, for the challenge, for re-mapping his boundaries. He also runs to highlight good nutrition and optimal health through a 100% plant-based diet. Apart from publishing about trail running, his interests include nutrition, permaculture, animal rights, renewable energy, filmmaking, and watching documentaries.

Sporting bio:

- Winner of Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race (2011, India).
- Winner Otter African Trail Run Veteran Men's category (2015)

Reason for taking challenge:

I love this planet. It's the only one we have. And we've done an awful job of keeping it habitable. It doesn't need us, but boy, do we need Earth. Frank Fenner (famous in some circles as the virologist whose team announced the eradication of smallpox) was 95 when he said in 2010 that he didn't see the human race surviving more than another century. That was because we've set in motion forces much greater than what we can control: climate change, human conflict, new diseases, poverty, hunger. I separate myself from this chaos as much as I can, sharing with everyone I meet (and through my magazine) that there is a better way. Killing and exploiting animals (from the smallest to the largest) is an indictment of our small-mindedness. A rhino is just another animal. It should get as much respect as all other animals, including those we kill in vast numbers every year (a mind-boggling 60 billion land animals and 90 marine animals). Speciesism must end, or we will be left with the most shameful lack of kindness record of any life form in the galaxy. The rhino is one of the pinnacle species that might bring us to our senses. We have to reject the old-fashioned notion that this planet revolves around us: that's ancient thinking that isn't grounded in reality. If we die out in the next century or sometime soon, Planet Earth won't even breathe a sigh of relief: she will continue evolving without us like we had never existed.

Personal sponsor:

TRAIL magazine

Gameplan Media

Age: 52

Hometown: Kloof. Durban

Occupation: Gameplan Media

About me:

The Gameplan Media team is supporting the event with Media and Public Relations services, and will be heavily involved on the day.

Dave Macleod will head up a team for the event with Kyle Gilham, Nick Tatham and photographer Anthony Grote, and will add their support to the event by joining the POI group for the Challenge.

As they will be running all over the mountain like dassies doing their media work, the time for the Gameplan Media team will be determined by the first team member to complete the round trip.

Dave Macleod Sport junkie and Dusi Rat, and a passionate Underberg resident equally passionate about supporting the fight for the Rhino and the Bearded Vulture. Untested ability at altitude….

Kyle Gilham Disproportionate relationship between talent and competiveness! Ardent sports junkie who trail runs, mountain bikes, paddles, shanks a golf ball and opens the bowling with wayward left arm.

Nick Tatham Social runner, known for persistence and determination. Adventurous middle order batsmen. Undiscovered rugby talent. Not nicknamed Tuckbox for nothing.

Anthony Grote Long legs and long lenses. Well known for summitting peaks in trails runs ahead of the leaders to get the shot.

Reason for taking challenge:

Passionate about Rhino Conservation and equally passionate about the Southern Drakensberg! Admire and respect the caliber of athletes committed to this event.

Personal sponsor:

Gameplan Media

Glen Haw

Age: 54

Hometown: Ixopo, KZN

Occupation: Dairy Farmer

About me:

Born and bred dairy farmer from KZN who has competed in endurance type events for over 40 years. Founder of Wild Ride, sani2c joBerg2c, duzi2c mountain bike events.

Sporting bio:

- 30 plus Duzi Canoe Marathons
- 9 Comrades Marathons
- 3 Cape Epic
- and many others

Reason for taking challenge:

Rhino Peak Challenge is a very worthy cause and a unique challenge.

Personal sponsor:

Glendy Farming, Ixopo, KZN

Holly Page

Age: 26

Hometown: Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Occupation: Project Manager at Adam Smith International

About me:

Having grown up in the Yorkshire hills I've always felt most at home in the outdoors. My brother and I had the luxury of having parents who were teachers which meant lots of time for school holiday adventures hiking and cycling around Europe!
I'm fluent in four languages and try to spend as much time as possible exploring new places, from the northern lands of Svalbard to the southern tip of Patagonia. 
Over the last few years, I've raced in over 15 countries, a recent highlight being winning a race in the Mexican desert the day after cycling 150 miles on a ladened old touring bike, and a lowlight being battling parasites to complete the world's highest city marathon in Bolivia.
People who know me will say I'm always on the move, and finding time to fit in running around my demanding workload is often a challenge but somehow I manage!

Sporting bio:

- Mount Robson Ultramarathon, Canada – 2nd place (2015)
- Record breaking Great Britain team at Tre Rifugi Skytrail relay (2015)
- Cycling Canada-Mexico, including 3 race wins (2015)
- World u24 Duathlon gold medal (2012)
- British Universities Sports Championships: multiple gold & silver medals (rowing, cycling, duathlon)

Reason for taking challenge:

Having recently moved to South Africa for work I'm rapidly discovering the beauty of the region, with its diverse wildlife being a major draw – we certainly don't have rhinos in Europe! I feel honoured to have been invited to be a part of such a unique event which will help to preserve these magnificent creatures.

Iain Don-Wauchope

Age: 41

Hometown: Cathkin Valley, Winterton

Occupation: Resort Owner & Manager, Cycle Shop Owner & Manager

About me:

Currently live in the Drakensberg juggling family, work and trail running commitments. Have enjoyed mountain biking, adventure racing, triathlons and duathlons in the past 10 years or so.

Sporting bio:

- Two time The Coastal Challenge winner and record holder
- Multiple Sky Run winner and record holder
- Multiple Otter winner and Retto record holder
- Multiple Rhodes Run winner and record holder

Reason for taking challenge:

A local initiative in our area, the Drakensberg, that’s benefiting an internationally important cause through a sport I love, trail running.

Personal sponsor:

Ultra Spire

The North Face

Enduren

Mountain Splendour

Landie Greyling

Age: 32

Hometown: Stellenbosch

Occupation: Trail Runner / Tax Consultant

About me:

I spent most of my childhood life exploring the outdoors on my parent’s farm just outside Cullinan, near Pretoria. This is where I developed my passion for nature & the outdoors. I am a qualified CA with a Masters degree in Taxation and currently work and run for KPMG. I adore any kind of furry little animal and love spending my time in the mountains, away from all the hustle & bustle of city life. My hobbies include camping, travelling, baking, mountain biking and slack-lining. My family and friends describe me as spontaneous, funny, determined and hard-working. I recently competed in the renowned Mont blanc Marathon, claiming a 4th position. My most significant victories in South Africa include the Otter Trail run, the Two Oceans Trail and the Skyrun. I am proud that I had the courage to follow my dream of becoming a professional trail athlete. People who are positive and kind inspire me and people who achieve their goals motivate me. My motto in life: “Those on top of the mountain didn’t fall there..” The best advice I received from my Dad was: “If you ask: “God, why me?” about the dissapointments in life, then you should also ask: “God, why me?” about the successes in your life.”

Sporting bio:

- 4th Mont Blanc Marathon 2016
- 9th World Ultra Distance Champs 2013
- 1st Buffalo Stampede Ultra (Australia) 2015
- 1st Otter Trail Run (2014)
- 1st Salomon Skyrun (2012, 2014, 2015)

Reason for taking challenge:

The rhino poaching crisis has demonstrated that there is no single solution to addressing illegal wildlife trade, which is an increasing global phenomenon. 
I love mountains and enjoy a good challenge, which makes supporting the Rhino Peak challenge a no-brainer: Accepting this challenge to be part of the solution to save our rhinos!

Personal sponsor:

Runstrong

Extremelights

KPMG

Buff

Hazz

Garmin

Salomon

Peptosport

Lucky Miya

Age: 35

Hometown: Witsieshoek, Qwaqwa

Occupation: Sales Manager

About me:

Husband, father, lover of running especially trail because of the spectacular view of mother’s nature and animals around it.

Sporting bio:

- 19th World Champs 21km (USA, Colorado)
- 1st Sanlam Cape Town 22km Trail
- 4th in Otter 42km Trail Run
- 1st Lesotho 50km Ultra Challenge
- 1st Ingeli 42km Sky Marathon

Reason for taking challenge:

To make sure the RMA fundraising and awareness of saving the Rhinos, in the sad situation they are currently facing, becomes a success.

Personal sponsor:

Saucony

K-Way

32Gi

Mbulelo Thinta

Age: 30

Hometown: Port Elizabeth

Occupation: Student

About me:

I am a citizen of the world who just wants to be proud of himself and I think I realize that the end game if fulfilment. Referred to by most who know me, as “THE PEOPLE’S CHAMP”… My ultimate goal is bringing people together. An Alpine lifestyle is the cornerstone of everything for me and my health and happiness are the peak. Live, Love and Learn… You heard it from THE PEOPLE’S CHAMP

Sporting bio:

- Addo 100 Miler Trail Run 2016

Reason for taking challenge:

I am not a proponent of any kind of cruelty on any level. I truly believe the only way to end disagreeable behavior is engaging in civil social discourse. The Rhino Challenge appeals to me as it is a trail run to try to prevent senseless cruelty which creates a social platform for tackling an environmental tragedy. Conservation of all animals is conservation of ecosystems… That for me is worth running for.

Personal sponsor:

MKT Inspires / AfriSki

Meg Mackenzie

Age: 30

Hometown: Cape Town

Occupation: Coach

About me:

I am a 30 year old Salomon South Africa athlete with a passion for adventure, mountains and trail running. My enthusiasm lies in growing and promoting the sport of trail and mountain Running. South Africa has perfect resources for this sport to be enjoyed and for our athletes to compete at an international level. I love to see others achieve as well as just to get them out there into the mountains – appreciating what our country has to offer. I live in Cape Town – the perfect place to train and I spend most of my days as high up in the mountains as I can get. I also spend time coaching both adults and juniors in achieving their goals. I’m also currently studying to be a life coach, which compliments my love of running, as I believe that success is 100% a mental game.

Sporting bio:

- SA Long Distance Trail Champ 2015
- 3x African X Winner (2013, 2014, 2015)
- Record Holder of Rhodes Marathon (2013) and Mnweni Marathon (2 time ladies winner of Mnweni Marathon)
- Represented South Africa at Long Distance World Championships 2015
- 3rd lady at Otter Trail Run 2015"

Reason for taking challenge:

My reasons for supporting the Rhino Peak Challenge lie in the belief that people must only do good. We have one life to do the most good that we can for each other and the planet. Each one of us has more power to change the world than we can imagine. By joining forces to help the Bearded Vulture Conservation and Rhino funds, I am doing only good, as well as inspiring others to do the same. The Rhino Peak also holds a special place in my heart, as it was the first hike that myself and my fiancé did together!

Personal sponsor:

Rush Nutrition

Almond Breeze

Suunto

Salomon

BOS Sport

Melissa and Hykie Berg (Team Berg)

Age: 31

Hometown: The beautiful Pretoria

Occupation: Hyks: Afrikaans Actor and Dr Conrad Bester in the soapie “Binnelanders’’; Motivational Speaker and MC; Founder of Hope In Action(NPO) & Ambassador for Attooh True Wealth academy & Social Entrepreneur Melissa: Social Entrepreneur; Part time kickboxing Coac

About me:

We are a young, dynamic, fun and sporty and outdoorsy kind of couple who absolutely love hiking; tanning & thai food and helping people. We reside in the east of Pretoria with our three dog schnauzer children and our chameleon Illy. The bushveld is definitely our home away from home & autobiographies are our favourite read. My wife is very inspired by Lewis Pugh and & myself by Nelson Mandela. I’m an ultimate Survivor and Melissa lives by "tried we must be, triumphant we shall be”. We are happy, grounded and fun couple, who are very family orientated and who passionately love God.

Sporting bio:

Mel:

- Part of the South African Kickboxing team

- Represented South Africa at the WAKO Kickboxing World Champs in Dublin, Ireland in 2015

- South African Kickboxing Champion 2015 and silver medalist in 2016

- Brown Belt Kickboxer

- 21km & 42km running race completer.

- 5 x Midmar Mile swimmer

Hykie:

- Does participating on Survivor South Africa in 2011 count as a sporting event? ….lol…man because that is the toughest thing I have ever done Mentally & Physically and by the grace of God I won.

Reason for taking challenge:

God only gave us this one life and one planet to live on . We have to preserve what we have now, so that our children have the chance to experience our beautiful country and world someday. We think the Rhino Peak challenge will create so much awareness and education around not only the rhinos but the bearded vultures as well as we personally think that very few people are aware of the fact that bearded vultures are being poisoned. Both are hearts lie with ALL animals and we will do anything to try and make a difference where we can and create as much awareness as possible. My green eyed beauty is definitely the bush baby in our marriage, her heart and passion is with animals and rescuing each and every one that needs saving. We ask everybody to PLEASE pledge and help TEAM Berg & all the other participants to be the voice for the bearded vultures and rhinos, dead and alive. Stand with us and let us stand united and fight for animal rights & let us save this beautiful earth God gave us.

Michael de Haast

Age: 53

Hometown: Bloemfontein

Occupation: Businessman

About me:

Love the Mountains am a vegetarian for ethical reasons, open minded entrepreneurial and a family is my number one priority!

Sporting bio:

- 18 X Ironman Triathlons around the world including 2 in Kona at the World Champs in the 1980’s and many other international venues including a number recently in PE.
- In 2010 I did the entire Ironman PE in a pair of Baggies and Flip-flops to raise money and awareness for the Bobs for Good foundation.
- Completed 2 Back to Back comrades, which is a 110 km trail run down the dusi valley only to line up a few hours later for the Comrades Marathon to complete the 200km round trip; all this in support of the Lettie Love Fund to say FU to Cancer…..
- 4 X Expedition Adventure Races which is a 500km plus self-navigation, self-supported race over different terrains and using different disciplines to get various Check Point along the route. Last Year Team Pure Adventures competed in the European AR Champs in Ireland.
- Co- Founder of Pure Adventures an extreme event management company that own and host races like the Skyrun presented by Salomon and the LedLenser Wartrail to name a few.
- In August will line up as part of a 3 man team ( Bad Medicine) at the Start of UTMB race PTL a 300km self-supported self-navigation journey around the Alps with 26 000m of positive ascent with a time limit of 7 days to complete this epic journey.
- Managed the Tongan Rugby Team at the 1999 Rugby World Cup in Wales and England.

Reason for taking challenge:

Love for animals and the belief that all beings have the right to live in harmony on this planet!

Personal sponsor:

Sportraxs

Nic de Beer

Age: 43

Hometown: Cape Town

Occupation: Entrepreneur

About me:

Running has been part of my life for the last 20 years. I love both road and trail running as it tests you in different ways. Trail running however brings you close to nature which teaches you to respect and appreciate all that is dear to you.

Sporting bio:

- 3 x Addo Elephant Trail run winner
- 2 x Puffer winner
- 2013 SA Ultra Trail Champion
-16 x Comrades Marathons (11 Silver)

Reason for taking challenge:

We need to do whatever we can to bring awareness to the endangerment of everything precious to us, in this case the Rhino. We need to assure that they are still around for generations to come.

Personal sponsor:

KPMG

Robyn Owen

Age: 26

Hometown: Stellenbosch

Occupation: Freelancer

About me:

I grew up in Pietermaritzburg before moving to Stellenbosch for University (I studied a bachelors and then masters in Civil Engineering). Following graduation I travelled for just over a year before returning to Stellenbosch with my (now) husband Mike.
Sport and adventure has always been a big part of my life. Canoeing was my main focus for most of my time at University; and in my final year I also got in to competitive trail running. Over the past year I been a member of the Merrell Adventure Addicts and competed in 4 international Adventure Races.
I am currently setting up a mountain guiding business to share my love of adventure.

Sporting bio:

- 5 wins at Dusi Canoe Marathon
- Silver medal at World Canoe Marathon Championships (Rome, 2012)
- Represented SA at World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships in Poland 2013 (finished 24th)
- Podium finishes at 3 international adventure races (with Merrell Adventure Addicts, 2015-16)
- Used running as a means of exploration in the Drakensberg, Atlas, Pyrenees, Alps, Himalayas and Andes mountain ranges

Reason for taking challenge:

Just running up and down such a beautiful mountain would be enough reward in itself. To do that with a bunch of inspiring athletes that I look up to, with a race against the clock to make things more exciting, and to contribute towards such a worthy cause at the same time is an opportunity way too good to turn down!

Personal sponsor:

Best4Sports (#CrampNot)

Rory Scheffer

Age: 24

Hometown: Cape Town

Occupation: Student

About me:

Growing up on the farms as a youngster I have always enjoyed and had a passion for the outdoors. In 2011 I entered my first trail race and the bug had bitten, since then I haven't looked back. Being able to explore some of the most beautiful places in the world through my sport is something I will always cherish. I moved to Cape Town in the beginning of 2016 to pursue my trail running career and have met some incredible people, who have helped me along the way to pursue my dream of being a professional trail runner.

Sporting bio:

- Giants Cup Trail 2014 and 2015 Winner
- Kilians Classik 2016 - 3rd
- Mont-Aux Sources challenge 2016 - 2nd 
- SA Trail champs - 5th
- Helderberg Mountain Challenge - 3rd

Reason for taking challenge:

Nature conservation has always been something close to my heart. I try to help with the conservation in any way I can, but being given the opportunity to create awareness for these beautiful animals through my sport is amazing!

Personal sponsor:

SuperBar

Runners Rest

Red Bull

Velocity Sports Lab (Coaching)

Ryno Griesel

Age: 36

Hometown: Centurion

Occupation: Chartered Accountant (SA), Registered Independent Auditor and Tax Practitioner. Co – owner of PEAK Sport Management.

About me:

Ryno is a passionate mountaineer and trail runner. He has climbed various mountains in Africa, Europe and Nepal.
He currently holds the record for the Merrell Hobbit 100km mountain run after back to back wins in 2012/ and 13.
He has raced the Adventure Racing World circuit since 2006 with various top 5 international finishes with TEAM Cyanosis. Race destinations include Africa, Europe, the Moab dessert in Utah and the ice bergs of Patagonia.
Ryno actively competes on the Rogaine World Champs circuit (pair - 24 hour navigation runs) with Nicholas Mulder. They achieved a 2nd place at New Zealand World champs 2010 and a win in Ireland nationals 2011, a 2nd at Czech nationals in 2012 and a top 5 at Czech World Champs in 2012.
Ryno currently co-holds the men’s record for the 210km Drakensberg Grand Traverse with Ryan Sandes at 41hr, 49min (March 2014) and the mixed record with Linda Doke at 63hr, 33min (March 2015).

Sporting bio:

- Various top 5 finishes on the Adventure Racing International Circuit with Team Cyanosis since 2006
- Current record holder of Merrell Hobbit 100km mountain run (win 2012 and 2013)
- 2nd at Rogaine World Champs – New Zealand (pair - 24 hour navigation runs) with Nicholas Mulder 2010
- 1st at Rogaine: Ireland National Champs with Nicholas Mulder 2011
- Currently co-holds the men’s record for the 210km Drakensberg Grand Traverse with Ryan Sandes at 41hr, 49min (March 2014) and the mixed record with Linda Doke at 63hr, 33min (March 2015)

Reason for taking challenge:

I love our country, heritage, wildlife and the berg. This is a great opportunity to combine my two big passions in life – sharing with people and big mountains, to help in a small way! I am often saddened by the safety concerns in the Drakensberg as well as our beloved Rhino’s being poached. I am proudly South African. I may not be able to do it all, but I can do something. I might be injured currently, but I can start by hiking up Rhino Peak.

Personal sponsor:

Cebe Eyewear

Powertraveller

SPOT Africa

MyHealth Sports and Medical Centre

Llama Bar

Suunto

Fury Ford Fourways

Petzl

Salomon

Sonja Krüger

Age: 44

Hometown: Howick, KwaZulu-Natal

Occupation: Ecologist, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

About me:

I have been an ecologist with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife since 1998, responsible primarily for the Drakensberg region and the Maloti Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. I initiated the Maloti-Drakensberg vulture Project in 2000 to determine the status of the cliff nesting vultures in the region, the trend in their numbers and the primary threats. For the past 15+ years, I have been driving processes aimed at reducing the population decline, stabilizing the population and growing numbers to achieve 150 breeding pairs in Southern Africa. I’m passionate about these Mountain Monarchs and the mountains and wilderness areas that are their home, and dedicated to protected this special heritage.

Sporting bio:

- Protea colours for Canoeing (Canoe Polo) in 2000, 2002 & 2006

Reason for taking challenge:

Raise awareness around the plight of the Bearded Vulture: The home of Rhino Peak within the Maloti Drakensberg mountains is also the home of the only population of Bearded Vulture in the Southern Hemisphere. The species is Critically endangered with a high probability of extinction within the next 50 years if measures to reduce mortality rates, increase productivity and supplement the population are not put in place. 
Help raise funds for the captive breeding programme: An intervention to safe guard the species by ensuring an ex-situ rescue population to prevent extinction, and to produce viable chicks for reintroduction into suitable areas of their former range.

Personal sponsor:

Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife

Steven Erasmus

Age: 34

Hometown: Tinley Manor, KZN

Occupation: Project Manager

About me:

I grew up in Joburg but quickly moved down to the North Coast after I finished school. This is where I found my passion for outdoor activities. I come from a background of adventure racing and I got into trail running after a friend asked me to race Mnweni Marathon with him. This was my first Drakensberg mountain experience and since then I take every opportunity I can to spend time in the mountains. I love the wide open spaces and sense of freedom.

Sporting bio:

- 2nd Fish River Canyon Ultra (2014)
- 1st Hobbit 100 (2015)
- 1st Mnweni (2013, 2015)

Reason for taking challenge:

I think it's really important to create awareness about the endangered animals that are on the verge of extinction. I was really excited when I found out about this challenge because I get to use my passion for trail running to raise funds for an
amazing cause.
Hopefully through fundraising projects like this one, we can save these beautiful animals so that the future generations can appreciate them as much as we do.

Personal sponsor:

Science of Coffee

Salomon

Su Don-Wauchope

Age: 40

Hometown: Cathkin Valley, Winterton

Occupation: Mother and Resort manager

About me:

I often describe myself as a “mum-on-the-run”. I try (with varying degrees of success) to obtain the elusive balance between family and professional life while squeezing in as much running as I can. Our racing (whether it be trail running, mountain biking or a multi-sport event) is always a family affair – kids are generally included in the adventure of any event. The memories we have made on family road trips and experiences at events are my motivation to keep training and racing!

Sporting bio:

- Receiving my Half Blue for Cross Country at Cambridge University 2000
- Winning the inaugural Southern Storm event in 2009
- 12th at the World Ultra Trail Champs, Ireland 2011
- 15th place at World Mountain Running Champs, Pikes Peak, Colorado 2013
- ?Completing the Lavarado Ultra Trail 120km in the Italian Dolomites (coming 10th in the ladies was a bonus)

Reason for taking challenge:

Most trail runs are selfish endeavors – what can I achieve? Can I beat my time? Can I win? What trails will I get to enjoy and what spectacular scenery will I experience? The allure of the Rhino Peak Challenge is that it is not just a trail run for personal enjoyment. There is a bigger purpose for donning trail shoes and racing the 21km to the top of RHINO and back.

Personal sponsor:

Ultra Spire

Enduren

The North Face

Mountain Splendour

Tanya Smith

Age: 33

Hometown: Howick, KwaZulu-Natal

Occupation: African Crane Conservation Programme: Southern Africa Manager

About me:

I suppose I am one of the lucky few who knew exactly what and who I wanted to be when I was ‘big’. I always knew I wanted to work towards saving animals and the environment. I have been working for a conservation NGO called the Endangered Wildlife Trust for 8 years focusing on protecting cranes and the water resources both cranes and people depend on. My heart is in the Drakensberg, it is where I have spent my entire working career thus far and it is the place where I go to find peace or a thrill. 
In my spare time I love trail running, walking my dogs, reading and spending time with my family and friends.

Sporting bio:

I am by no means an elite athlete – not even close actually, but I love being active and l love the outdoors. And I am blessed to have the ability and desire to participate in great events such as this. But notably I completed my first Comrades Marathon this year, an achievement I am immensely proud of. I have also just completed my third consecutive Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge. I cannot wait to add a successful summit of the Rhino Peak to that list.

Reason for taking challenge:

The Rhino Challenge is an innovative event that showcases the Southern Drakensberg while raising awareness and resources for a much needed causes.

Personal sponsor:

Endangered Wildlife Trust

Tracy Zunckel

Age: 41

Hometown: Bergville

Occupation: Housewife and swimming coach

About me:

I am a farmer's wife and mom of 3. I live on a farm in the Northern Berg. Any spare time I have is used exploring new trails in and around the thornveld and mountains of the Northern Berg area. Running is my space, own time and my freedon. It gives me clarity and sets the tone for my day. It is a time of reflection and peace.

Sporting bio:

- 1 SA champs in 2014
- SA team to Wales
- SA team to Trail des Templiers in France
- Richtersvled Wild Run (most amazing experience)
- 5 times winner of Mont Aux Sources
- Love all the local races in Kzn!

Reason for taking challenge:

I love to give back in any way i can with my running. It is a God given talent that i can use to benefit others. The future of our children is so important, to preserve nature and animals in the way we have had the privilege of experiencing it. The Plight of the Rhino is close to my heart.

Personal sponsor:

Racefood