David Grier is an internationally recognised inspirational speaker, extreme adventurer, humanitarian, author and award-winning chef whose extraordinary endurance challenges have taken him across some of the world’s most demanding terrain.
David became the first person to run the entire Great Wall of China in both directions — approximately 4,200 km each way. His other extraordinary endurance achievements include running the entire coastline of South Africa, the length of India, across Madagascar, Cuba and Thailand, as well as paddling approximately 500 km from Africa to Madagascar.
To date, David has covered more than 25,000 km through extreme endurance challenges, using his adventures to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian causes, particularly children requiring corrective cleft surgery through the Miles for Smiles initiative and Operation Smile.
Career Highlights & Accolades
- First person to run the Great Wall of China in both directions
- Great Wall of China – approximately 4,200 km each way
- Ran the South African coastline – 3,300 km
- Ran the length of India – 4,008 km
- Ran across Madagascar – approximately 2,700 km
- Paddled Africa to Madagascar – approximately 500 km
- Completed major endurance challenges across Cuba, Thailand, Portugal, Ireland and the UK
- Recipient of the Operation Smile Chairman’s Global Humanitarian Award
- SA Speakers Inc. Humanitarian of the Year
- Cape Adventurer of the Year
- Out There Magazine Adventurer of the Year
- Author of several books documenting his extraordinary journeys
- Award-winning chef and former SA Chef of the Year finalist
- Trustee and ambassador supporting humanitarian initiatives
Speaking Themes
RESILIENCE | PURPOSE | CHANGE | COURAGE | ADAPTABILITY | LEADERSHIP | PERSEVERANCE | MAKING A DIFFERENCE
David translates the physical and mental challenges of his extreme expeditions into powerful lessons for the corporate world.
His presentations explore what happens when plans fail, circumstances change and individuals are forced to dig deeper than they thought possible. Central to his message is the relationship between purpose and resilience — and how having a meaningful reason to continue can transform the way we respond to adversity.
David’s combination of extraordinary real-life adventure, humour, powerful storytelling and humanitarian purpose makes him particularly effective for leadership conferences, sales teams, corporate kick-offs, incentive events and organisations navigating significant change.
His message is ultimately about moving beyond personal achievement to ask a more meaningful question: what difference can we make along the way?
