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Trail Leopards

Brand Identity

Lifestyle & Sport

Art Direction

Developed for the Trail Leopards run club, this identity is a refined evolution of the club's original heritage badge – simplified for greater clarity while preserving the distinctive elements that make the brand instantly recognisable. The sentinel mountain, proteas, ocean, and leopard remain at the heart of the mark, honouring the club's roots and its connection to Hout Bay.

An interchangeable colour palette, inspired by the surrounding landscape, allows for seasonal updates while maintaining a cohesive identity across every application. Supported by a flexible suite of wordmarks and icon treatments, the system is recognisable, tasteful, and highly versatile, balancing heritage with a clean, contemporary aesthetic that can grow alongside the club.

Industry

Lifestyle & Sport

Client

Trail Leopards

Year

2026

Strategy

The strategy for Leopards Run Club was rooted in conversations with founder Kai Forster and a shared appreciation for Hout Bay – the place that shaped the club and inspired its identity. As Hout Bay's first run club, the brand needed to reflect both its local roots and its ambition to build a strong, recognisable community. Rather than following the monochromatic aesthetic that dominates many contemporary running clubs, the identity embraces bold branding decisions. Distinctive team colours, confident leopard motifs, and a strong visual language ensure the club stands out on race day while celebrating the character of its home. The result is a brand that is unmistakable in a crowd – one that fosters pride, belonging, and instant recognition, whether training locally or competing further afield.

The strategy for Leopards Run Club was rooted in conversations with founder Kai Forster and a shared appreciation for Hout Bay – the place that shaped the club and inspired its identity. As Hout Bay's first run club, the brand needed to reflect both its local roots and its ambition to build a strong, recognisable community. Rather than following the monochromatic aesthetic that dominates many contemporary running clubs, the identity embraces bold branding decisions. Distinctive team colours, confident leopard motifs, and a strong visual language ensure the club stands out on race day while celebrating the character of its home. The result is a brand that is unmistakable in a crowd – one that fosters pride, belonging, and instant recognition, whether training locally or competing further afield.

Deliverables

Brand identity, brand standards, team kit designs

Brand identity, brand standards, team kit designs