The main objective is to share vital health information and a booklet with young, underprivileged girls, and support them with sanitary products for a minimum of one year.

A special guest at this year’s Old Mutual Om die Dam is deputy minister in the presidency, Buti Manamela, who has partnered with the Caring4Girls organisation and will be running in support of the #Running4Girls initiative. For every kilometre Manamela runs, Caring4Girls has committed to provide 1000 sanitary towels.

Partnerships and sponsorships are proving an effective way of helping to grow this initiative and reach the many schoolgirls in need. As the marathon’s headline sponsor, Old Mutual encourages runners and supporters to contribute to worthy causes and to run for 'more than yourself'.

“This is a wonderful cause to be part of, and we are deeply impressed by Deputy Minister Manamela and the effort he puts in to raise awareness of this previously unspoken issue,” says Old Mutual Head of Brand Karen Thomas. “At Old Mutual we always encourage people to do things for 'more than yourself', and at this year's Om die Dam deputy minister Manamela is leading the way and setting an example that committing oneself to run can make such an enormous difference to so many in need.”

Three charities in the Hartbeespoort Dam area will also benefit directly from the fund-raising efforts of the 2017 Old Mutual Om die Dam Marathon, namely Meerhof School, SAFV Hartbeeshof and Huis Lesedi.

Situated on the banks of the Hartbeespoort Dam, where the Krokodil River runs into the dam, Meerhof School is an institution for learners with special educational needs.

The school, which is Om die Dam’s oldest beneficiary, offers programmes for learners with physical challenges, as well as learners with specific learning problems. Apart from academic support, the school also provides opportunities to take part in various sports, cultural and social activities, assisting the children to develop to their full potential.

SAVF Hartbeeshof is a home for the elderly located in Schoemansville. Owned and operated by the Suid-Afrikaanse Vroue Federasie (SAVF), the home has been open since 1997 and strives to improve the quality of life of the elderly in the community by providing a main meal, health services and personal care, as well as facilitating social opportunities.

Huis Lesedi, the third beneficiary, opened in 2006 and provides a place of safety for abandoned babies. Further funding will increase the number of full-time childcare workers, who along with the house mother, provide a healthy, loving and caring temporary home for the babies until they can be reunited with their mothers, or adopted by loving couples.

To help any of the above charities, visit morethanyourself.co.za.

For more information, visit dogreatthings.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter using the #Running4Girls hashtag.