Distance for Difference (D4D) has announced that the Gratitude Run is taking place on Saturday, 2 November in 2024 at Dornier Wines in Stellenbosch. All funds raised at the event will go towards various children's charities, including Tzadokah Foster Home, Sylvia's House, Esther van Zyl and Kingdom Kids.
Whether you're a runner or enjoy walking, you have three options to choose from, says the organisation.
Stéphan Pieterse, founder of D4D, says, "The five-kilometre Fun Run / Walk is ideal for young and old as you set your own pace. The 10-kilometre Trail Run offers one of the most scenic routes in the Western Cape. The last option is a four-hour, three-kilometre Team Relay Run."
"Runners enter as a team with a minimum of one and maximum of five team members and run laps of three-kilometre each. The challenge for teams will be to complete as many three-kilometre laps as possible in the allotted time period," Pieterse adds.
Pieterse says, "We use sport to generate funds for distribution to various organisations involved in caring for children. Firstly, we raise funds through individual athletes who find sponsors for every kilometre they run, cycle, or swim during a year through training or participating in specific events, e.g. the Comrades Marathon, the Absa Cape Epic, IRONMAN and the Cape Town Cycle Tour."
"Secondly, we host two fundraising events — the bi-annual Gratitude Run and THE500-24HR-Cycling-and-Spinning-Challenge. Over the past 19 years, we've raised and distributed more than R11-million. We are indeed blessed to bless others," adds Pieterse.
According to the D4D, the day promises to be great fun with:
- Host, Colin Heckrood
- live broadcast and music from Radio Cape Town
- prizes
- lucky draws
- enthusiastic athletes, and
- sponsors supporting a worthy cause.
"Come and show your gratitude for your health and your ability to run and walk. For those who don't feel like participating themselves, support your other half, family, friends, or colleagues whilst soaking up the sun and the exquisite surroundings at Dornier Wines. Help us make a significant difference," Pieterse concludes.
Individuals can enter the event here.
For more information, visit www.d4dsa.co.za. You can also follow Distance for Difference on Facebook or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor