13/10/2026
FROM THE DYER ISLAND CONSERVATION TRUST DESK:
Project Penguin: 72 km Run to Raise Awareness for Africa’s Critically Endangered Penguins
Grotto Beach, Hermanus, to Kleinbaai | Saturday, 17 October 2026
On Saturday, 17 October, ultra runner Nicholas Burger will take on a challenging 72 km run from Grotto Beach in Hermanus to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Kleinbaai, using his passion for running to raise awareness and funds for the conservation of the African penguin and the marine ecosystems on which it depends.
The run forms part of Project Penguin, a fundraising and awareness campaign launched by Burger earlier this year in support of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT).
Starting at 06:00, Nicholas will tackle a route that includes coastal paths, mountain climbs and roads through the Overberg, finishing at the sanctuary in Kleinbaai. The route covers approximately 72 km, with around 1,200 m of elevation gain. His expected arrival is between 14:30 and 16:00, depending on conditions on the day.
Nicholas will share his live location during the run, allowing supporters to follow his progress. Additional support runners are expected to join him during the final section from Stanford towards Kleinbaai.
The challenge is the centrepiece of Project Penguin, but the campaign aims to reach beyond the run itself. Funds raised will support DICT’s conservation work, including seabird rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research and monitoring, marine ecosystem protection and environmental education.
A penguin welcome in Kleinbaai
The run will culminate at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, where DICT and the APSS team are planning a special welcome for Nicholas and Project Penguin supporters.
The aim is to bring together the local community, conservation supporters and everyone who has followed the campaign to celebrate the effort and raise further awareness of the plight of the African penguin.
Members of the public are encouraged to support Nicholas along the route, particularly at planned refreshment and support stations, and to join the welcome at the sanctuary in Kleinbaai.
Every word of encouragement will help make this demanding challenge a shared effort for penguin conservation. Join the rally to support our African Penguins.
Bring the kids, ouma and all your neighbours. Circulate this message. Let's show our support. See you there!
Enquiries:
Dyer Island Conservation Trust
Gansbaai, Western Cape, South Africa
www.dict.org.za
Christine Wessels: [email protected]
Nicholas Burger: 082 312 1234
Penguin Rescue Line: 072 598 7117 AFRICAN PENGUIN & SEABIRD SANCTUARY SHARKS WHALES & DOLPHINS EDUCATION CLEAN MARINE BIODIVERSITY Dyer Island Conservation Trust, protecting
