The Otter TERREX Trail presented by EasyEquities is about to get underway, and while the landscape is breathtaking and the race thrilling, the heart of the event lies in the incredible individuals lining up to take on both the Challenge and the Race. Among them, the EasyEquities team stands out, bringing together a unique mix of talent, passion, and personal stories that highlight the spirit of this iconic race. Let’s meet some of the team members as they prepare for their epic journeys across the Otter Trail.
Taking on the Challenge:
Andrea Copland: From Running Novice to Trail Addict
Andrea Copland wasn’t always a runner. In fact, her first taste of trail running was right here at the Otter. Now, in her third year, running has become a significant part of her life, and she credits this race for getting her hooked on trail running.
“The Otter TERREX Trail presented by EasyEquities is so much more than just a race for me. It’s the build-up of months of training with friends, and colleagues who have become friends. It’s a personal challenge, both physically and mentally, and a constant reminder that I can do hard things. Additionally, it’s a chance to connect with nature in the most meaningful way,” she reflects, excited to return to the start line. Andrea’s journey from beginner to avid trail runner is a testament to the power of persistence and community.
Don Kruger: From Soccer to the Otter
Head of Product at EasyEquities Crypto, Don Kruger thought his youth and fitness would carry him through his first Otter. But the brutal reality of the race proved him wrong. After a strong start in his debut, Don found himself injured and barely limping to the finish line. This year, he’s approaching things a little differently.
“One point that may not have been emphasized enough is the transition I’m making from soccer to running, which are quite different in terms of fitness. Soccer relies on high-intensity interval training (HIIT), while running focuses more on steady endurance cardio. Balancing both has been an interesting challenge for me this year. I plan to take it easy at the start, aiming to conserve energy for the first two-thirds of the race. As a result, I’ll be pacing myself during the prologue,” he explains. With his academic prowess—currently pursuing his second Master’s degree—and a passion for fantasy games, Don’s strategic approach to this year’s race may prove the key to a better performance.
Craig and Lientjie Turton: A Family Affair
For Craig and Lientjie Turton, the Otter is not just a race—it’s a family tradition. Craig, a former EasyEquities employee who has since started his own business, is back for his fifth Otter, while Lientjie is running her third. The couple trains together, overcoming the challenges of raising young children while preparing for one of the toughest trails in South Africa.
“It’s a huge privilege and an honour to be part of the EasyEquities team, and to be back at the Otter. It’s incredible to see the new sponsors and how the event has evolved. Our training has gone very well. Lientjie has been a machine getting her hours and elevation in. She’s loved using Toni McCann’s Training Program and found it very useful,” says Craig.
Lientjie is equally excited, adding, “We are super excited for tomorrow’s race. Craig & I are doing it for the third year together and are aiming for a sub-9. Weather looks good, and I did a lot of extra strength training with CrossFit and stairs. I am looking forward to the Bloukrans swim!”
Kate Keeling: The Post-Baby Powerhouse
Kate Keeling has always been a strong competitor, but this year, she faces a new challenge—balancing motherhood with racing. Having given birth to her second child just six months ago, Kate has had to squeeze her training into just two and a half months, all while nursing and caring for her newborn.
“It’s been great having something to train towards post having Finn. Unfortunately, I have only had two and a half months to train, so I had to cram it in. With feeding, I haven’t been able to do too many trails or long ones, so my sessions have been a little more intense, hunting elevation where I can. But I’m really excited to be back on the Otter Trail,” she says, ready to take on the Challenge while her husband Shaun runs the Race.
Sheldon Valjalo: The All-Around Athlete
Sheldon Valjalo is no stranger to intense competition. Living in the UK and having played cricket for Croatia, Sheldon now participates in the grueling HYROX fitness races worldwide. His passion for being a well-rounded athlete is evident, and his Otter performance will surely be one to watch.
“I played high-level cricket and rugby, which cultivated my competitive spirit and fueled my constant drive for self-improvement as an athlete. I’ve always been passionate about becoming the ultimate all-around athlete—capable of running sub-3-hour marathons, lifting heavy weights, stepping into a boxing ring, and even swinging a golf club, all with skill and versatility. Currently, I compete in HYROX, a multi-station fitness race, as well as various running events, which are now my primary focus,” he shares.
Gary and Vanessa Van Dyk: A Team in Life and on the Trail
For Gary and Vanessa Van Dyk, the Otter has become a shared passion that reflects both their commitment to fitness and to one another. Gary, the CFO of EasyEquities, is returning to tackle the Otter after an injury cut short his race last year. Now, with a renewed focus on his training and a healthier lifestyle—having quit smoking—he’s ready for redemption. Vanessa, a highly respected lecturer in Accounting and Economics, will also be back on the trail, balancing her impressive professional life with her love for adventure. The couple, along with their sister-in-law Jane, often finishes the race with their tradition of champagne, while their kids take on the Dassie race. This year promises to be another memorable chapter for the Van Dyk family.
Andre Serfontein: Running to Save More Than Just the Race
For Andre Serfontein, a priest from Jonkershoek and a father of two, the Otter is much more than just a race; it’s been a lifeline during one of the toughest years of his life. Balancing the pressures of work and caring for his wife, who broke her leg in four places earlier this year, running became his essential outlet.
“This preparation saved my life. My wife broke her leg in April in four places. She’d been down and out in the house for the last five months, and work was crazy, but this trail running, it saved me every week. If I didn’t have that, I would have gone mad. What a gift to have the discipline to run, to be forced to run, because you can’t run the Otter and not train. And it’s been the perfect excuse every time to go running, it’s saved my life,” Andre reflects.
This is Andre’s third Otter, and though his journey has been uniquely challenging, his resilience and dedication make him a contender to watch, particularly in his age category.
Taking on the Race, and its 9-Hour Cut-Off
While the Challenge features many seasoned EasyEquities runners, the Otter Race raises the stakes with a strict 9-hour cut-off, drawing in some of their more competitive team members.
Joshua Nuttall: From First-Timer to Trailblazer
Joshua Nuttall returns to the Otter Race after an impressive win in last year’s Challenge, where he clocked a 5:16:13—despite sleeping on a couch and indulging in beers the night before. This year, Joshua is eager to test his limits once more, with his eyes on both the beauty and the brutality of the trail.
“I believe it is going to be very hot on Saturday. I am super excited for the race. I’m not sure what this year might hold, but I’m really looking forward to being on the trails again and having fun. I don’t have any aspirations or expectations; the Otter, for me, is about enjoying everything that the run holds. It is beautiful and brutal. I cannot wait to be heading back to that part of the world; looking forward to exploring what is possible on this little trek down to the coast. A massive thanks to the EasyEquities team for allowing me to be part of this event,” says Joshua.
Chris Charlton: The Grail of Trail Veteran
Chris Charlton, a longtime participant in the Otter, has made the race a cornerstone of his life for the past seven years. Having completed six Otters, with this year marking his hopeful seventh, Chris reflects on why he keeps coming back to this world-class event.
“The Grail of Trail has been a standing rock in the diary for me the past 7 or so years (missed one somewhere and have still not gotten over the FOMO). Each year, the Otter gives me the opportunity to reset myself, consider my priorities, and work on my shortcomings. Every time I finish, I come away having learned something new about myself and my limits. I’m immensely grateful to be toeing the line again this year.”
For Chris, the Otter is more than just a race—it’s a personal journey of growth and discovery, supported by the incredible trail-running community and his family.
Shaun Keeling: The Olympian Returns
Shaun Keeling, a past South African Olympic rower and husband to fellow competitor Kate, is back for his fourth Otter Race. Despite the challenges of juggling training with raising two kids, Shaun is ready to tackle the trail once again, bringing his competitive spirit and determination to the fore.
“I’m super excited to be back at Otter. It’s my fourth time I’ve been lucky enough to take part in the trail. The training hasn’t been that great with two kids, but I’m glad to be out here and I’ve got 9 hours… I’ll take 8h59 if I have to, but really looking forward to it,” Shaun shared.
With a sub-7-hour finish in 2022 and a successful Recce Run under his belt, completed in August alongside the organizing team, Shaun is preparing to give the race his all once again.
Justin Pearse: Back on the Trail After a Year Away
Justin Pearse is no stranger to the Otter, but this year, he’s feeling a little less prepared than he’d hoped. After missing last year’s event for a special hike, Justin is eager to get back on the trails, despite a few bumps in his training plan.
“I feel a little undercooked going into the race. I had grand aspirations of extending a Comrades PB form into Otter to try and sneak a PB sub-6, BUT work, family, and travel unfortunately kiboshed those plans. Still, I’m feeling pretty good and hoping that maybe some fresher-than-normal legs will result in as much of a fun day out as those tough trails will allow. I had massive FOMO last year, so I’m most looking forward to running that beautiful coastline again and celebrating the finish with an ice-cold beer with the great trail-running mates I’ve made over our 3-year EasyEquities relationship with this iconic event.”
Despite the setbacks, Justin is ready to embrace this year’s Race, with camaraderie and celebration waiting at the finish line.
The Otter Race, with its intense cut-off and competitive edge, promises to be as thrilling as ever, as these athletes push their limits on one of the most demanding trails in South Africa.
As the EasyEquities team prepares to take on the Otter TERREX Trail, their diverse experiences and individual journeys remind us that the Otter is about much more than just the race. It’s about perseverance, passion, and, above all, community. Good luck to all participants!
