By Sitha Maliwa
The Pondo Trail Run, set to return from 28 May to 1 June 2025, is offering runners a unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s most untouched coastlines while raising funds for two important causes: the Pondoland Conservation Trust and the Cipla Foundation’s Miles for Smiles initiative. Cipla, a partner of the event, will once again help fund corrective surgeries for children born with a cleft condition, continuing its commitment to improving lives in South Africa.
This annual event takes participants on a thrilling three-stage trail run through the rugged northern section of the Wild Coast, a region known for its exceptional biodiversity, including over 150 plant species that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. The scenic beauty and physical challenge of the race will be complemented by the rewarding opportunity to support vital causes that impact both the environment and local communities.
CEO of Cipla South Africa, Paul Miller, expressed the company’s continued commitment to this transformative event, stating:
“This will be the fourth consecutive year that Cipla is participating in this event, not just to help preserve the jaw-droppingly beautiful Pondoland coast, but also to help make a tangible difference in local communities.”
The Pondo Trail Run is more than just a race – it is a platform for raising essential funds for the life-changing work of Operation Smile South Africa, which provides free, corrective cleft surgeries to children from underserved communities. In November 2024, the Wild Child Africa team had the opportunity to attend a surgical program at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha, where a dedicated medical team performed eight cleft lip surgeries, 14 cleft palate surgeries, and one fistula repair. The outreach program also included dental care, where 885 patients received much-needed oral healthcare.
The success of these missions demonstrates the profound impact of the event’s fundraising efforts. Tim Botha, Director of Wild Child Africa, reflected on the significance of these missions:
“The impact of these missions is profound. Standing alongside Cipla at the Mthatha surgical program, witnessing the smiles that our fundraising efforts made possible, was incredibly powerful. We are honoured to continue supporting this work through the 2025 Pondo Trail Run.”
Beyond supporting medical interventions, the Pondo Trail Run continues to champion conservation efforts. Funds raised will go towards the Pondoland Conservation Trust, an organisation dedicated to preserving this ecologically rich and fragile coastline through low-impact, high-end ecotourism while simultaneously benefiting the local communities that call it home.
In addition to its fundraising efforts, Cipla will be sponsoring paramedic support for the event, ensuring that participants are well taken care of throughout the race. The “Cipla Blister Bar” will be available at the end of each day to provide expert care for tired feet, making sure that runners can recover and continue on their journey. – @NewsSA_Online