More than a race: the EasyEquities Otter family heads for the trail

There are races, and then there’s the Otter African Trail Run.

For many South African trail runners, the iconic Otter African Trail Run is something close to a pilgrimage. Set along the spectacular coastline of the Garden Route National Park, the race follows sections of the world-famous Otter Trail and has built a reputation as one of the toughest, most beautiful and most sought-after trail events in the country.

Over the years it has become more than just a run. It’s a story collector’s event: a place where friendships deepen, families reconnect and people discover what they are capable of somewhere between the rocks, rivers, forests and ocean.

At CN&CO, we’ve loved watching the growing EasyEquities presence at races like Otter over the years. Of course Easy has recently crossed the remarkable milestone of more than R100 billion in client assets on the platform, while continuing to expand internationally into markets like the Philippines. But what has always stood out to us is that the business has never lost sight of people, culture and community along the way.

And nowhere is that more visible than on the trails.

“This has never just been about entries into a race,” says Carel Nolte. “Otter represents so much of what we believe in at Easy. Adventure, connection, challenge, balance and showing up fully for life. The people running this year all have different stories and backgrounds, but they’re connected by curiosity, resilience and community.”

Among this year’s runners is Andrea Copland, who has completed Otter multiple times and was recently married. Andrea leads data at EasyEquities, an increasingly important role in a business operating at massive scale across multiple markets and platforms.

Then there are the Van Dyks, long associated with strong Otter performances. Gary may be sitting this year out, but his twin brother Justin will be on the trail alongside his wife Jane, with brother Craig also in the mix. The event has become something of an annual family affair.

Kate Keeling’s story is equally inspiring. She’ll be back at the Otter after giving birth in May (third time!), having previously also tackled the race not long after becoming a mother. It’s a reminder that life doesn’t stop for adventure, and adventure doesn’t stop for life. The Easy family continues to grow too, with new babies arriving across the broader community, including to Carly Esterhuizen and David Oberholzer. The newest generation already apparently have investment accounts.

“We celebrate the whole person,” says Carel. “Being a parent, building a career, chasing goals on the trails, supporting your family, investing for your future — these things are all connected.”

Another standout this year is Alan Gray, who will be running alongside his daughters. Alan’s endurance pedigree stretches back decades, including 100 milers and ultras from the early days of South African trail and endurance racing. A close friend of Carel’s, Alan also spent time working in the Philippines, another link to EasyEquities’ expanding global footprint.

“He’s one of the toughest and kindest humans I know,” says Carel. “I look up to him enormously.”

The field also includes Atang Matebesi, CEO of Santam Client Solutions. Atang works alongside Tanya Briers (Kurt’s partner in love and life), Head of Santam Direct – Client Solutions highlighting yet another connection point between South African financial services businesses, relationships and people who continue to shape the industry together.

Carel will be doing the walk before the main run, alongside CN&CO’s Blake Dyason and Rikus Kok, Easy’s Brad Leather, and Marlise Serfontein from the Woordfees community. Brad and Blake will also run the race afterwards – and will no doubt do impressively well.

A strong rowing contingent will also line up at the start of the race, including Olympian Lawrence Brittain and a few of his family members, further adding to the wonderfully eclectic mix of athletes, professionals, friends and families that now make up the broader EasyEquities trail-running culture.

The full Easy team that will be taking part in the Otter Africa Trail Run this year comprises Andrea Copland, Craig van Dyk, Justin van Dyk, Jane van Dyk, Tristan Finnemore, Kate Keeling, Alan Gray, Fiona Braithwaite, Alison Baker, Ronald Maako, Atang Matebesi, Jaco Kotze, Shaun Keeling, Lawrence Brittain, Joshua Nuttall, Brad Leather and Blake Dyason.

“Some are seasoned veterans. Some are newcomers. Some received sponsored entries, others partially sponsored opportunities or support through friendships and work relationships,” says Carel. “But all of them are part of a story that feels much bigger than a race number.”

And perhaps that’s the real magic of Otter. Much like investing, business and life itself, it’s ultimately about the people you share the journey with.

The Otter trail run event takes place from 23 to 26 September 2026.