HOEDSPRUIT – A total of 246 people took to the trails at Hedianga Farm in Pretoria on Sunday, August 16, for the fourth annual Trails for Trunks, raising awareness and support for Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation Development’s (Herd) work with orphaned elephants.

New route, new challenges

Hosted in partnership with Revolution Trails, this year’s event introduced a new route and a fresh set of challenges, with participants tackling distances ranging from 2km to 15km.

The challenging terrain, including steep inclines and loose rocks, tested runners and walkers throughout the morning, but did little to dampen the enthusiasm of those taking part.

Every kilometre completed contributed to a bigger cause, supporting Herd’s efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and provide lifelong care for orphaned elephants, while also contributing to conservation, environmental restoration and community initiatives.

Participants also embraced the event’s wild theme, with many dressing up in support of the occasion.

Global support through virtual event

The event also extended beyond Pretoria through Herd’s virtual Trails for Trunks initiative.

Supporters from around the world were able to participate by walking, running, or simply moving in support of elephants from wherever they were.

Herd thanked all those who took part virtually and shared their experiences as part of the initiative.

Marie Koekemoer was also announced as the lucky draw winner and will receive a World Elephant Day T-shirt.

Category winners announced

The competitive side of the event saw participants battle it out for podium positions across the 5km, 10km and 15km categories.

In the 5km women’s category, Kiara Jordaan claimed first place, followed by Izelle Cowley in second and Hedda Prinsloo in third.

The 5km men’s category was won by Jan-Charl van Gerve, with Jean Cronje taking second place and Christiaan Rachmann third.

Fiona Smith took top honours in the 10km women’s category, followed by Natasha Reinhardt and Helene le Roux.

In the 10km men’s category, Bradley Brand finished first, with Pieter Myburgh second and Reynhardt de Bruyn-Walters third.

Andrea Weidemann won the 15km women’s category, followed by Celeste Moodley in second and Ruth Enslin in third.

The 15km men’s category was won by Yusuf Motara, with Nicholas Mulder taking second place and Kuba Kaliszka third.

Herd thanks its supporters

Herd expressed its appreciation to participants, volunteers, sponsors, vendors and everyone involved in making the annual fundraiser possible.

The organisation said the continued support allows it to provide care for rescued elephants while advancing wider conservation and community-focused initiatives.