The Rhino Run is the brainchild of Ryan “Rhino” Flinn, who decided Africa deserved an ultra-endurance bikepacking race. Rhino wanted to show everyone the immense beauty and unique landscapes of his childhood in his own way. The Rhino Run was born as an unsupported bikepacking experience. No BS, just you and the mirror. 

After years of hard work, reconning and preparing, the team was ready to host the first edition in October 2020. But then the Covid 19 pandemic struck, and the race was delayed by another 2 years. When travel restrictions were lifted in 2022, a star-studded field gathered in Plettenberg Bay. The finish location was set for Windhoek, and over the next 2,750 km, one of the most exciting ultra-endurance races of all time played out. Abdullah Zeinab won the inaugural edition by less than an hour!

A media crew followed the inaugural edition, documenting one of the most tightly contested ultra-endurance bikepacking races ever. Don’t Look Back, the Rhino Run story is worth a watch and can be found here.

In 2023, the race returned to follow the same route to Windhoek. After finishing second in 2022, Kevin Benkenstein returned looking to go one better. Benky ended up winning the race in a record-breaking time. 

Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, the race was not held in 2024 or 2025. In 2026, the race will return with an exciting new route! Starting in Windhoek, the race will travel 3,050 km South to the new finish town of Graaff-Reinet!