Every year, Wild Child Africa hosts the Pondo Trail Run as its flagship fundraiser for the Pondoland Conservation Trust – and 2025 was, without a doubt, the best edition yet.
This year’s event was a celebration of adventure, community, and conservation. Runners tackled three unforgettable days along the Wild Coast, each offering its own unique terrain and challenges. From sweeping coastal views to rugged cliff paths, the variety kept participants buzzing – but it was the third day, winding through the untouched Manteku forest, that truly stole the show.
Our runners didn’t just run, they played their part for Pondoland, too. Armed with Sealand litter clean-up bags, participants collected waste from beaches along the route, leaving this coastline cleaner than they found it.
Thanks to the generosity and determination of our runners, and the incredible support from our event partners – Brooks and Devil’s Peak Beer we raised an outstanding R452,761 for The Pondoland Conservation Trust and Cipla’s Miles for Smiles Foundation. These funds will go directly towards our work to protect Pondoland’s biodiversity, support environmental education, strengthen community-led conservation projects and help bring much needed services to the people of Pondoland.
This will also fund Operation Smile through Miles for Smiles, contributing to life-changing surgeries for children born with cleft lips and palates. And through the “Gift of Warmth” initiative with Wild Coast Sun, we were able to deliver blankets and clothing to the communities of Msikaba and Mbotyi.
To everyone who laced up, supported, or donated- thank you. You’ve made a real difference, not just to Pondoland’s unique environment, but for the people who call it home.