Adventurer, conservationist, and ultra-distance runner Paul Gardiner is set to launch his six-part documentary series, Natural Born Runners, exclusively on YouTube, blending his passion for running with an urgent message about global conservation. The series debuts during the pivotal COP16 summit, aligning with its theme of “Peace with Nature,” and aims to inspire a younger generation to get active while connecting deeply with the planet’s natural beauty.
Gardiner’s love for running is deeply ingrained in his family history. He discovered that his great-grandfather won both the Oxford and Cambridge mile races in 1902, a legacy that sparked Paul’s own lifelong dedication to the sport. More than just a runner, Gardiner credits running with helping him through one of the toughest challenges of his life: a chronic battle with insomnia. Refusing to take sleep aids, Paul turned to long, gruelling runs to tire himself out and overcome his sleepless nights—often finding himself on solo runs at 2 a.m. in the hills of Surrey.
“I’ve experienced the transformative power of running, both mentally and physically,” said Gardiner. “It’s gotten me through some very dark times, and it’s become a way of life for me. Through this series, I want to show others that running isn’t just about fitness—it’s about connecting to nature and finding peace in the wild.”
In Natural Born Runners, Gardiner retraces his family’s rewilding roots, starting with his father’s pioneering efforts to restore Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. The series then travels across the globe, from the remote wilderness of Scotland’s Alladale Wilderness Reserve to the inspiring restoration of American bison in North America—each episode showcasing breathtaking landscapes where Gardiner also runs through these wild, natural habitats.
One of the series’ highlights is Gardiner’s participation in Run Richmond 16.19, a race founded by Oscar-nominated actor and activist Djimon Hounsou (Amistad, Gladiator). The race honours African American history while celebrating community and conservation, aligning with Gardiner’s philosophy of running as a way to connect deeply with the land and its stories. Gardiner also interviews Hounsou about his work in Africa and his advocacy for conservation and community-led initiatives.
Beyond racing and rewilding, the series explores Gardiner’s many running adventures, including an extraordinary run in Antarctica, where he and his longtime filmmaker, Christian Antoine, face extreme conditions while bringing attention to critical conservation efforts on the seventh continent. Antoine, an aspiring wildlife filmmaker, brings a light-hearted, fun element to the series with his “edutainment” approach—making the show not only inspiring but also entertaining for younger audiences.
“Running has always been my escape, my therapy,” said Gardiner. “When you’re out there in nature, especially in these wild, untamed places, it’s humbling. That’s why this series matters to me—because it’s not just about running. It’s about using running to connect with the world around us and inspire others to protect it.”
By launching Natural Born Runners on YouTube, Gardiner hopes to reach younger audiences who can be inspired to take up both running and the cause of conservation.
“Today’s youth hold the future of conservation in their hands,” added Gardiner. “By sharing my running adventures and these incredible stories of rewilding and biodiversity, I hope to inspire them to become not only runners but also stewards of the planet.”
Watch the Trailer: https://youtu.be/J-xb0RjRQsk
