On 27 March, runners from across South Africa gathered at the Wild Coast Sun in Port Edward for the start of the 2026 Pondo Trail Run - three unforgettable days of trail running through one of the richest and most biodiverse micro-biomes in the world: Pondoland.
Spanning 104 kilometres, the route winds through pristine trails, untouched beaches, cascading waterfalls, and some of the most dramatic coastal landscapes South Africa has to offer. Widely regarded as one of the country's most spectacular trail running events, the Pondo Trail Run is an experience unlike any other.
This year, Sealand was proudly represented by Alex Eales and Amelia Bergh, racing together as the Sealand Sisters. From the opening stage, they established themselves as serious contenders, finishing second on both Day 1 and Day 2 and remaining within striking distance of the leading team.
On the final day, the Sealand Sisters delivered a spectacular performance. Combining grit, determination, and smart racing, they claimed victory on Day 3. Following some misfortune for the race leaders, their strong finish secured them the overall win, making history as the first female team ever to win the Pondo Trail Run.
But the Pondo Trail Run is about far more than racing.
The event offers participants the opportunity to experience the magic of Pondoland - its people, breathtaking scenery, and truly wild environment. At its heart, the race is also a platform for conservation, raising awareness about the environmental threats facing the region while generating crucial support for the Pondoland Conservation Trust. This year's event raised almost R500,000 to help protect this extraordinary landscape for future generations.
Like all meaningful relationships, the connection between runners and the environment goes both ways. While Pondoland rewarded participants with breathtaking views, incredible trails, and near-perfect weather, the runners gave back too. Equipped with their Protect Our Paths x Sealand Trail Mates, participants collected litter along the route, leaving the landscape better than they found it. It's a simple but powerful action that reflects a core value shared by both the event and Sealand: protecting the wild places we love to explore.
The 2026 Pondo Trail Run was an unforgettable celebration of adventure, community, and conservation. We congratulate every runner who took on this remarkable challenge and especially Alex and Amelia on their historic achievement.
We look forward to returning to the trails of Pondoland next year.
