Behind the Scenes at Trisport: The People (and Love Stories) Behind the Adventure

When people think of Trisport, they often think of spectacular trails, epic mountain bike routes, unforgettable hiking holidays and life-changing adventures. What they don’t always see are the people working behind the scenes to make every event and tour a success.

At Trisport, we’re more than an adventure company. We’re a family brought together by a shared passion for the outdoors, endurance sport and creating experiences that people remember long after they’ve crossed the finish line.

Over the years, friendships have been forged on mountain trails, around campfires and at finish lines. Some of those friendships have even turned into lifelong love stories. Here’s a look at the people behind the adventure.

Hano & Sonja – Where it all began

More than 25 years ago, husband-and-wife team Hano and Sonja Otto took a leap of faith and founded Trisport.

Ironically, their own adventure began during an adventure race. The couple met while training to represent South Africa at the Borneo Eco Challenge in 2000. It was love at first sight, and by the end of that same year, they were married.

Hano, with a background in law, and Sonja, a sport scientist, combined their expertise with years of international experience as professional endurance athletes to build a company centred on authentic adventure experiences.

Today, Trisport offers boutique hiking, mountain biking and scuba adventures across some of Southern Africa’s most breathtaking destinations. From the Wild Coast, Namaqualand, the Kalahari and the Garden Route to the crystal-clear waters of Mozambique, Tanzania, Madagascar and Réunion, every itinerary is built on first-hand experience and a genuine love for the outdoors.

Janine & Juan – A partnership built through events

Janine Botes joined Trisport 12 years ago in an administrative role. Today, she is the Events Director, managing flagship events including the SOX Trail Run, Namaqua Quest MTB & Trail Run, Oyster Catcher Trail Run and TrailGirl, while also guiding selected hiking tours.

It was also through Trisport that she met her husband, Juan.

Juan was responsible for event timing, and countless weekends spent working together eventually turned into a lifelong partnership. Today, they continue to work side by side, ensuring every event runs smoothly while sharing their passion for adventure with hundreds of participants each year.

Charl & Benita – Capturing every moment

Every unforgettable adventure deserves unforgettable photographs.

For many years, Charl and Benita Gerber have been behind the cameras, documenting the highs, the challenges and the incredible scenery that define every Trisport event.

Recently, the family business has grown even further, with their daughter joining them as an assistant, making it another family story within the Trisport family.

Their photographs preserve not only beautiful landscapes but also the emotions, friendships and achievements that participants treasure long after the event has ended.

Kristy & Jeff – Adventure brought them together

The newest love story in the Trisport family belongs to Kristy Kolberg and Jeff Ayliffe, who look after Trisport’s video production and social media.

Long before joining Trisport, the pair first met “in the sky” through paragliding. Years later, while working together at Trisport events, their friendship blossomed into love.

Now newly married, they continue to tell the stories behind every event, sharing the laughter, determination and unforgettable moments that make the Trisport community so special.

More than an events company

Looking across the Trisport team, one thing becomes clear: adventure has a remarkable way of bringing people together.

Whether it’s lifelong friendships, new business partnerships or even finding the love of your life, there’s something special about sharing challenges in the outdoors.

Perhaps that’s because the mountains don’t care who you are. They simply invite you to show up, keep moving and share the journey with those around you.

When you join a Trisport event or boutique tour, you’re not just signing up for a race or a holiday. You’re becoming part of a community built on passion, trust, teamwork and a genuine love for adventure.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Trisport family. Who knows? Your own adventure story might just be waiting to begin.