Taking Holla to New Heights!
This month we caught up with Holla Trails ambassador, Sonia, who recently took the Holla spirit all the way to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro — quite literally! From early morning runs on our trails to summiting Africa’s highest peak, Sonia’s journey is a testament to determination, adventure, and community. We chatted to her about her climb, how training at Holla helped her prepare, and what keeps her coming back to the trails she calls home.

Was this your first time climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? And what inspired you to take on such a big challenge? Yes, it was my first time climbing Kilimanjaro, or “Kili.” I went with a good friend, Flor, who’s also from Venezuela. She’s a professional climber and a successful hand surgeon—we actually met many years ago through rock climbing. Just before COVID, we started talking about doing a project together, but we had to postpone it for different reasons. This year it all came together; she climbed Mt. Kenya first, and then we tackled Kili together.

How did training at Holla Trails prepare you for the climb? Having Holla Trails just around the corner made it my go-to training spot. I really enjoy running there, but I had to adjust my training by adding more hikes and carrying extra weight to prepare for the climb. Being part of the Holla community also connected me with Francois V. Rensburg from Traverse Coaching, who helped me with strength training—which was absolutely essential.

Did you have any “I can’t do this” moments, and how did you push through them? Yes, I definitely had a moment on summit day when altitude sickness hit me. I had decided not to take the recommended medication, and at one point I felt really sick. Luckily, I had an amazing guide, Innocent from Local Crew Expedition, and the support guide, Ricardo, who kept me going. After a while, your body starts to adjust to the altitude and you can find a better pace. And honestly, watching the moon rise half way to the top, and then the sunrise at Stella point,  gave me the last bit of strength I needed to reach the summit.

How long have you been part of the Holla Trails community? I’ve been in Ballito for almost 10 years now. I can’t remember exactly when I first started going to Holla, but over the years I’ve done Parkruns there and even tried cycling seriously for about a year, but when I didn’t see much progress with the bike, I switched over to running.

What’s your favourite trail at Holla — and why? BLUE! It’s got a bit of everything, and I feel safe on it—especially when I’m running solo.

Do you prefer running solo or with a group when you’re out here? I enjoy both. Running solo gives me the space to listen to the birds, the wind… and sometimes my own demons—you really learn how to deal with them. When you’re doing long-distances, the mental side is just as important as the physical. On the other hand, running in a group gives you stamina and supports discipline. It’s always nice to have someone there to give you a little push when you need it.

What’s your go-to post-run routine (coffee, stretch, or straight to breakfast 😅)? Definitely coffee! I usually grab one at Holla, or sometimes at the Beach Club of the Estate—it’s hard to beat a good coffee with a sea view.

How has Holla shaped your trail running journey over the years? I used to run only on the road—it was just the easiest way to stay fit while traveling for work. I always carried a pair of “takkies” with me. After moving permanently to South Africa, I started trying out all sorts of activities, and trail running was one of them. Holla really woke up the adventurous side of me that had been dormant for years. Now, wherever I travel, I always look for trails and hikes to explore.

If you could introduce a newcomer to just one experience at Holla, what would it be? I’d say the Parkrun. It’s easy enough not to intimidate anyone, but at the same time it gives newcomers a chance to see all the other activities Holla has to offer.

Now that you’ve summited Africa’s highest peak, what’s next on your adventure list? For now, my next adventure has four wheels and rooftop tent 😊.