Hermanus to Kleinbaai: Nicholas Burger’s 72km penguin run

A 72km ultra run from Hermanus to Kleinbaai will put the plight of South Africa’s critically endangered African penguins in the spotlight this weekend, as runner Nicholas Burger takes on a fundraising challenge in support of conservation efforts.

The run, scheduled for Saturday, 17 October, forms part of Project Penguin, a campaign launched by Burger earlier this year to raise awareness and funds for the** Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT)**.

Burger is expected to set off from Grotto Beach at 06:00 before following a route through the Overberg to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Kleinbaai.

His estimated arrival time is between 14:30 and 16:00, depending on conditions.

The challenge covers approximately 72km and includes coastal paths, mountain climbs and roads, with around 1 200m of elevation gain.

A run inspired by the penguins’ plight

Picture: Nicholas Burger/Instagram

Burger said he decided to take on the challenge after learning more about the decline of the African penguin population.

‘African penguins are critically endangered. I didn’t realise how serious the situation was until recently,’ he explained.

‘Like many people, I had seen them along our coastline, but I didn’t understand that they are now at real risk of disappearing.’

According to the conservation assessments cited in the campaign material, the species has lost more than 95% of its historical population, with fewer than 10 000 breeding pairs remaining in the wild.

Although Burger does not work professionally in conservation, he said he wanted to use his experience as an ultra runner to contribute to efforts to protect the species.

‘I’m not a conservationist or an expert, but I am someone who cares. As a very average ultra runner, I realised that I could use my passion for distance running and my ability to endure to support something bigger.’

The idea became Project Penguin, with the 72km run serving as the campaign’s central fundraising and awareness initiative.

The run will begin at Grotto Beach, with Burger following the cliff path and quieter side roads through Hermanus before tackling Rotary Way and crossing the mountain.

He will then descend through Fernkloof towards Voëlklip, before continuing along the R43 towards Stanford. From there, the route passes through De Kelders and Gansbaai before ending at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Kleinbaai.


Supporters will be able to follow Burger’s progress through his live location, while additional runners are expected to join him for the final stretch from Stanford towards Kleinbaai.

Members of the public are encouraged to support the challenge along the route, particularly at planned refreshment and support stations, and to join the welcome planned at the sanctuary.

Funds raised through Project Penguin will support DICT’s conservation work, which includes seabird rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research and monitoring, marine ecosystem protection and environmental education.

Founded in 2006, the trust is a registered Public Benefit Organisation based in Gansbaai.

Its work focuses on the Greater Dyer Island ecosystem and includes marine wildlife conservation, postgraduate research, responses to marine wildlife strandings and educational programmes connecting young people with the marine environment.

DICT has contributed to more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific studies, helping to expand knowledge of the ecosystem and the species that depend on it.

At the centre of its seabird conservation work is the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) in Kleinbaai.

A sanctuary for injured seabirds

Picture: African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary/Supplied

Opened in 2015, the sanctuary provides facilities for the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured and compromised African penguins and other seabirds.

The facility includes a bird hospital, rehabilitation areas, laboratory and clinical space, as well as an X-ray facility.

According to the trust, the sanctuary has rehabilitated and released more than 1 200 African penguins, including adults and fledglings.

Beyond rehabilitation, APSS also serves as an educational resource, helping visitors understand the threats facing African penguins and the importance of protecting the marine environments on which seabirds depend.

Burger said the species’ decline reflects wider concerns about the health of the marine environment.

‘This isn’t just about penguins,’ he stated. ‘If a species as iconic as the African penguin is struggling, it tells us something important about the state of our oceans.’

The run will conclude with a planned welcome at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, bringing together the DICT team, local community members and campaign supporters.

The public can contribute to Project Penguin by donating, fundraising, following the run, sharing information about the campaign or learning more about the challenges facing African penguins.

Burger said the initiative was intended to encourage participation beyond his own running challenge.

‘This isn’t just about me. Anyone can play a part.’

Donations can be made through the campaign’s BackaBuddy page.

Support Project Penguin: Donate through BackaBuddy

Taking place during Penguin Awareness Month, the 72km challenge aims to turn public awareness of the African penguin’s decline into practical support for the conservation work being carried out along South Africa’s coastline.



---

Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!

---

Also read:

Watch: SANCCOB releases young African penguins into ocean

**Picture: **Nicholas Burger/Instagram

The post Hermanus to Kleinbaai: Nicholas Burger’s 72km penguin run appeared first on Cape Town ETC.