This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Sharon Jessop — an ultra-endurance athlete, conservationist, keynote speaker, and serial entrepreneur whose running adventures are driven by a mission to protect rhinos in Africa.
From growing up barefoot in the South African bush to covering over 3,500 miles across some of Africa's wildest landscapes, Sharon has used her extraordinary endurance to raise awareness and funds for rhino conservation. Her journey is as inspiring as it is challenging, blending adventure with purpose.
In this episode, Sharon shares how she turned her love of running into a powerful tool for wildlife conservation, the highs and lows of multi-day expeditions, and the unforgettable encounters she's had along the way — from navigating tough terrain to seeing Africa's incredible wildlife up close.
We also explore her personal story, the losses that have shaped her, and how she finds motivation and meaning in every mile.
Whether you're drawn to ultra-running, conservation, or simply pursuing your passions with purpose, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight.
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Show notes
- Who is Sharon
- Living in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape of South Africa
- Her passion and obsession with rhinos
- Running for Rhinos
- Growing up barefoot in the brush
- Being 16 and her first experience seeing a rhino
- Deciding to study law….
- Hosting a television show
- Going back to conservation
- Making changes to her life at 48
- Always being a runner
- Discovering her ability to run long distances day after day
- Losing her dad and good friend to cancer in 2017
- Running from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth
- How one running expedition led to the next
- The mental side of running and why its super important
- Doing the running expedient in her mind, before she even starts
- Her motto - Failure is not an option
- Running multiple half marathons (2020) for rhino conservation
- What have I committed to?
- Having a really big WHY
- And why it makes it easier
- Not wanting to let the rhinos down
- Planning and logistics for the expeditions
- Having the accommodation and food sponsored
- Travelling with a small team
- 2022 adventure
- Recovery each day
- Not being a big supplement taker
- Believing in real food
- Trying to stay away from processed food
- Taking electrolytes
- The importance of hydration and fuelling your body
- The importance of sleep and its impact on recovery
- The magical moments while out running
- Being scared of ostriches and baboons
- The 5 animals - Lions, Elephants, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard
- The adjustment back to 'normal' life
- Starting training for Comrades Marathon in 2026
- Row for rhinos
- Ted X talk in San Diego - The Race for Green Spaces and Wild Places
- Where do the funds raised go
- Self funding her running expeditions
- Future projects for the Rhinos
- The Gre
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