The Essence
of Wildrun
Who we are
The heartbeat of the Wildrun® is exploring & experiencing truly wild places on the run. Be it on the Wild Coast of South Africa, the remote mountains of Lesotho, the geologically & botanically rich Richtersveld desert or the bushveld of Mapungubwe, each Wildrun® is unique and will be sure to leave an indelible impression on your life.
No markers. No massive crowds. Just you, your sense of adventure and a truly wild place. Be prepared to experience a run like no other.
The Story of
Wildrun(ner)
What we're about
Three or more days of wilderness trail running through some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery in Southern Africa. This is the backbone of a Wildrun®.
The Wildrun® is organised by Wildrunner, premier trail running event organisers in South Africa. We focus on pure trail running with a heartbeat born from a lifetime's passion of exploring wild places on the run.
Wildrunner was established in November 2007 and has held over 200 trail running events in seven South African provinces, as well as Internationally in Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
With this comes a wealth of trail and mountain running event management experience that is unmatched in Africa.
The Wildrun
Management Team
Who runs the world
Owen Middleton
Founder & Managing Director
Trail running, sailing, mountaineering, adventure racing, orienteering, surfing, paddling, kloofing, rock climbing, fly fishing, scuba diving & mountain biking are the life-blood of what makes Owen tick.
Tamaryn Middleton
General Manager
The Real Boss. She is the backbone of Wildrunner and will put a smile on your face any time of the day. Her passion is people, with a healthy dose of scuba diving, trail running and general adventure-seeking thrown in!
Marion Siebrits
Chief of the 100 acre wood (and damn good at catering to!)
Marion's ability to cook up a feast in the middle of nowhere is a gift. She is never short on laughter or practical jokes, but when it comes to delivery always the consummate professional, and when you taste her food you will no doubt agree!
Jason Sharrock
Hospitality & logistics
When not organising events Jason can be found smashing the waves on his surfboard or cruising the cattle trails on his Momsen mountain bike. From entertaining guests to making a plan with broken trailers, Jason is the wild asset working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep operations moving ahead smoothly.
Wildrun
Testimonials
What people are saying
The Lesotho Wildrun was everything my fellow Wild Coasters had promised me it was – tough but amazing and I can’t think of a better way to see and experience a country. The organisation was brilliant as always, even down to the weather! And the hero’s welcome our sweep team received at the finish made the 30+ hours on our legs worth every minute. Can’t wait to put the photos on my pin board next to my Wild Coast ones!! And the very special blanket is already keeping me warm in this cold weather.
Ad Cole
Lesotho Wildrun 2012
Thanks again for a wonderful experience. Although it’s like asking which is your favourite child, I think Richtersveld was the best event I have ever done. After Puffer this year I had planned to stop events, but as I feel now, I’m reconsidering that decision.
Jorg Schmid
Richtersveld Wildrun® 2014
"Legendary event! If it's the only one on your calendar for the year, it will not be a mistake ..."
Greg Walsh
Wildcoast Wildrun® 2016
"3 years ago I took on what I thought at that stage was the biggest challenge of my life - the Wildcoast Wildrun - 112km of trail running over 3 days. Little did I know that would ignite my passion for trail running. And 3 years later I completed 3 Wildcoast Wildruns in 2016, 2017 and 2019 and in return was awarded my “Nguni” trophy in celebration of those 336km spent on the most beautiful coastline in South Africa. And the cherry on top - my PB for the race in 2019.
Thank you Owen Middleton, Tamaryn Middleton and the rest of the #wildrunteam for hosting this special event. I wish every runner out there can experience it one day!"
Nicolette Koch
Wildcoast Wildrun 2019
I dont even know how to tell you in words what a phenomenal experience the Wildrun was for me. I am still in shock and think about it constantly! Your effort and gees is much appreciated and I hope to be seeing you guys a lot in the future.
Rick Kotze
Wildcoast Wildrun® 2014
'Thank you, thank you for the most magical time last week. It really was the best event I’ve ever been to, and by far the one that I’ve enjoyed the most. Initially I was worried that I hadn’t done enough training blah blah, but as we got further into the run I realised more and more that its really more about the people than the running. You guys and all the runners.
So – to you guys and all the unrelenting hard work you and your team put into looking after us – thank you again.'
Andrew Hishin
The Namibia Crossing 2019
"This was the most astounding experience ever. The bush, the route, the experience, just unreal."
Bryan Mulliner
Safari-on-the-Run™: Mapungubwe 2017
It was a great event and I especially want to thank you guys for focussing on the event and not the racing. For me it was about the journey, the beautiful scenery and the meeting of likeminded people. It was great that the organisers also focused on that, rather than who came first! It made is so much more enjoyable! Thank you for the great organisation, it ran really smooth! It was really a pleasure to participate and Wildrunner did an excellent job. Thanks.
Liza Burmeister
Wildcoast Wildrun 2012
Many, many thanks once again for an awesome event!! You guys get better and better every year…..Phenomenal!!! While the coast, terrain and people are conducive an awesome experience, it’s you guys that always make it a truly memorable one and completely addictive!! I’m absolutely hooked on the high from taking and being part of this incredible journey and yet am humbled by the privilege. Not many people get these opportunities and something I always try to remind myself. Again, thanks so much for making Mark’s and my “holiday” and fantastic one!!
Martin Stewart
Wildcoast Wildrun 2012
"Your organisation of the event was out of the top-drawer and the Richtersveld will surely become a race of choice among international adventure seekers, and some international elites. Your formula is a great one and the personal and family touches rounded off the perfect way to spend five days."
Stephen Granger
The Namibia Crossing 2016