Grit and a whole lot of heart can move mountains – and save sea turtles! Conservationist and runner Karoline Hanks just conquered a gruelling 194km ultra-marathon to fully fund Sage the turtle’s road to recovery!
Cape Town, South Africa (24 August 2026) – At the beginning of July this year, Karoline Hanks made the decision to do another one of her epic and deeply meaningful ‘fRUNdraisers’ for conservation. This time, for the creature she considers her spirit animal: the turtle!
And so, she set up a crowdfunding campaign, vowed to run 192 km and used her platforms to raise awareness about the dangers of ghost fishing gear to marine life. Her central inspiration was Sage, a rare olive ridley turtle currently fighting for her life at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation after being entangled in abandoned gear.
Good Things previously shared news of her Peninsula Ultra Fun Run (PUFfer) ahead of the mission. Now, Karoline has officially seen it through, recovering from the triumphant feat of pushing her journey even further to 194 km.
“I am now happily ensconced on the couch with ridgebacks twitching and snoring next to me,” Karoline shared, admitting to eating most of the race food she missed during the run while nursing her body.
“My toes are buggered, my quads ache, and it’s hard work shuffling to the bathroom and back. But I am happy.”
Her PUFfer highlights were endless: setting off at 3 am under the dark roads of Noordhoek with Filippo’s headlights guiding the way; being joined by Tim at the bottom of Wagon Trail; meeting Filippo at the top with a steaming cup of tea; and powering up the steps to McLear’s Beacon. She enjoyed the quiet solitude of the mountains, spotting a pair of klipspringers along the way, before descending Platteklip Gorge for a quick turnaround at the Green Point Soccer Club, where Team Turtle cheered her on with beautiful signs.
Karoline set out hoping to raise R80,000 for Sage’s rehabilitation, but her heart filled with contentment as she surpassed her goal, bringing the total to over R81,000!
Her fundraiser remains open for another week as she continues calling for action against discarded fishing gear to protect precious ocean creatures.
With much of Sage’s rehabilitation now funded, there is renewed hope for the brave turtle to make a full recovery and return home. For making that possible and inspiring us all – a huge well done, Karoline!
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