South African trailrunners and guides from diverse backgrounds committed to sharing our love of our trails, adventure travel and our country with the world.
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Warren King
Founder & CEOWarren King’s journey from attorney to private banker to trail running entrepreneur is a testament to his adaptability and passion for both business and adventure. After a successful 15-year career at Investec Bank in Johannesburg, Warren left the world of finance behind to create some of South Africa’s most well-known trail running events. This transition not only harnessed his business acumen but also deepened his understanding of the rapidly growing adventure tourism sector.
A passionate traveller and trail runner, Warren has experienced the thrill of running in over 35 countries, from the rugged Nepalese Himalayas to the dense jungles of Southeast Asia, and the vast Andes mountains of South America. His global running adventures have provided him with valuable insights into emerging travel destinations such as Georgia, Mongolia, and Slovenia, giving him a unique perspective on the future of adventure tourism.
Now based in Cape Town, Warren is focused on leveraging his expertise to develop innovative, activity-based travel experiences, combining his love for running, exploration, and his entrepreneurial vision. With his deep knowledge of the industry and his international connections, Warren is well-positioned to lead the company in shaping the future of adventure tourism.
Russell Nugent
Director of OperationsRussell Nugent brings a wealth of experience to the team, with a unique blend of expertise in both healthcare and event management. As a practicing optometrist across South Africa’s Northern Cape, North-West, and Free State, Russell has also built a reputation as a key figure in South Africa’s endurance sports scene. He is the founder and director of Upington’s largest annual road marathon and has played a crucial role in organizing one of the country’s longest-running multi-day endurance trail running events.
An accomplished ultra-distance trail runner and avid triathlete, Russell has a deep understanding of the physical and logistical demands of endurance events. His personal running adventures, along with his professional involvement in the sports community, have also allowed him to forge strong connections with international groups of traveling trail runners, particularly from Europe – the primary target market for adventure tourism.
With his extensive experience in organizing large-scale events and his passion for trail running, Russell is instrumental in ensuring the seamless operation of the company’s events and tours. His hands-on approach, combined with his global network, makes him a key driver in delivering exceptional, world-class experiences for both local and international trail running enthusiasts.
Angela Kavallieratos
Head of Trail Experience & Guest RelationsAngela Kavallieratos is a seasoned competitive trail runner and passionate mountain adventurer with a background in Speech Therapy and Audiology. Her journey in adventure tourism spans both global and local terrains, from marathons across Europe to challenging mountain expeditions in Nepal. With a deep appreciation for the natural world and the physical and mental demands of trail running, Angela brings a unique perspective to the team.
Over the past few years, Angela has focused her exploration on the world-class trail running possibilities in the Western Cape, one of South Africa’s most stunning and diverse regions for outdoor adventure. Her firsthand experience of the area’s breathtaking landscapes, combined with her expertise in delivering immersive, personalized guest experiences, allows her to create trail-running itineraries that not only highlight the best of the local terrain but also cater to a wide range of fitness levels and interests.
Angela’s passion for adventure, her deep understanding of the mental and physical aspects of endurance sports, and her dedication to creating memorable experiences make her an invaluable member of the team. She is committed to ensuring that each guest has a transformative journey, whether they are a seasoned trail runner or a first-time adventurer.
Nicole Smit
Marketing & Customer Experience ManagerNicole Smit combines her passion for the outdoors with extensive experience in the travel industry, making her a vital member of the team. An accomplished horse rider, experienced trail runner, and enthusiastic mountain hiker, Nicole brings a unique perspective to adventure tourism, deeply understanding the thrill of outdoor activities and the importance of creating exceptional, tailored experiences for guests.
With a strong background in constructing and selling holiday packages, Nicole’s expertise spans social media marketing, communication, and travel logistics. She is skilled in both the digital and personal aspects of customer service, offering clients the support they need from their first inquiry to the final leg of their adventure. Whether it’s through online marketing strategies or on-the-ground customer support, Nicole ensures that every touchpoint with guests is seamless and memorable.
Her passion for travel and the outdoors, combined with her professional skills, helps the company reach and engage with adventure seekers worldwide, while also ensuring that each guest receives the highest level of service and care. Nicole’s dedication to delivering extraordinary customer experiences is key to building long-lasting relationships and growing the company’s reputation in the adventure tourism space.
Zibele Bala
Head Trail GuideZibele is a dedicated trail runner, mentor, and advocate for making trail running accessible to all. Originally from Qumbu in the rural Eastern Cape and now based in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, his journey in the sport is deeply rooted in his father’s legacy as a runner. As a competitive runner, Zibele has achieved some remarkable results on the trails, such as 6th place at the Mountain Ultra Trail by UTMB® Marathon (2023) and 5th place at the Cape Town Trail Marathon 22km (2023). He is also quite a speedster on the tar and has a strong road running pedigree.
Over the years, Zibele has built a strong reputation in the Cape and broader South African trail running community, and beyond his own racing ambitions, he has committed to uplifting others through the sport. He is an active member of the Helderberg Trail Running Community and a driving force behind Trail Taxi, an initiative that provides transportation and guidance to young runners from underprivileged areas, giving them access to trails they otherwise couldn’t reach. His vision for Trail Taxi was inspired by Alfred Thorpe and South African Adidas professional athlete Toni McCann, both of whom share his passion for making trail running more inclusive. Together, they helped establish a platform that introduces township youth to mountain trails, offering them new opportunities to grow in the sport. Zibele’s journey – from the remote, rugged landscapes of the Eastern Cape to competing in elite-level trail races and fostering a new generation of runners – reflects his resilience, determination, and passion for the sport, the country and its people. Through Trail Taxi and Cape Trail Tours, he continues to break barriers, inspire young athletes, and introduce more people to the power and beauty of trail running.
Expanding his influence beyond racing and mentorship, Zibele has also entered the world of active tourism, joining Cape Trail Tours as a key member of a strong and diverse team. Through this role, he shares his passion for the mountains with visitors from around the globe, guiding them safely through the spectacular beauty and diversity of the Cape Trails.