about us
True Grit Trail’s aim is to create unforgettable trail running adventures for runners of all fitness levels across KwaZulu Natal, by providing seamless, professional event management from concept to completion, including route planning, safety, environmental stewardship, and all on-the-ground operations. We strive to develop, grow, and support the local community and economy by partnering with local businesses for each event. By delivering value to the runners and the venues we utilize, we aim to create exceptional sporting events that are profitable and sustainable for all business involved. At True Grit Trails, we believe that within every runner lies untapped strength
— and we exist to help you find it.
VISION STATEMENT
To lead the way in creating exceptional trail running adventures that push the limits, ignite passion, inspire endurance and unity, one unforgettable event at a time.
MISSION STATEMENT
To create challenging, unforgettable, soul-stirring adventures that celebrate a passion for nature. We want to inspire runners to push past their own limits, find their soul, forge long lasting connections and be part of a strong inclusive trail community. We aim to ensure that every fellow trail runner can experience the meaning of true grit.
Ready to go on your next adventure?
meet our team
Lizia Coetzee Co-Founder
I run for the heart and the grit of the sport. I only started trail running in 2021 with my mom and honestly I’ve never experienced so much love, satisfaction, and pain in one sport all at the same time.
During my first mountain marathon I tore two of my ankle ligaments about 2.5 hours into the race. I heard this loud popping sound and honestly thought it was broken, but I kept thinking, if my mom could walk for a week with a heel broken in seven places, surely I can manage another 7 hours.. A DNF was not going to be my first mountain marathon story.
I finally crossed the finish line and of course needed surgery but that is where the Rabbit Heart slogan “all it takes is all you’ve got” was born because there’s really no reason I should’ve been able to finish that race. That race totally hooked me on the sport and I’ve done a couple of ultras, where I’ve had a brush with death more than once and then I am always so appreciative of life when I cross the finish line.
Trail running — with all its pain pushes me to dig deep when that little voice inside me says I can’t, it inspires me, it makes me appreciate and love life, and it makes me want to be better. I just hope what I do inspires others to do the same, to give everything they’ve got and feel the unconditional love this sport and it’s community gives back.
Sandy Mann Co-Founder
I started running in 2010, Sani Stagger was my first 21.1km. My first marathon was in 2012,but my first trail race in 2016 the Krantzkloof Three Falls, ignited a passion for conquering extreme challenges and trail running. While I have completed several ultras since then, the race that changed my life was the UTMB MUT 100km in 2023.
A trail through the Outeniqua mountains that included being washed downstream by the river, conquering extreme climbs in adverse weather conditions and took 24 hours to complete as First Lady in my age group.
The name True Grit Trails was born from this unforgettable adventure. My vision is to inspire people to push beyond their limits, discover their grit and connect with an authentic inclusive community through unforgettable trail experiences.
My mantra: Nothing is impossible. Find your courage within.