Running for a reason! SPCA legend Sarah Van Heerden and her daughter Alex are dedicating the Ultimate Human Race to pavement specials.

Kloof, South Africa (29 May 2025) — The Kloof and Highway SPCA’s Sarah Van Heerden is a champion of underdogs. While you might think all shelter pets are underdogs, there are still levels to underdogship. Some dogs get adopted quickly, while others wait for months if not years, simply because they’re pavement specials or senior animals.

But Sarah and her daughter, Alex want to change the narrative around these invisible animals while giving them a boost, and they’re using the Ultimate Human Race as a means to spread their message on behalf of the entire SPCA team.

Sarah is no stranger to pushing her body to extremes for the betterment of animals. Last year, she cycled an incredible 1,600kms over a weekn in the Western Cape to raise funds for forgotten animals and managed to fundraise over R120 000 for the SPCA and its services.

How will she fare at the Comrades? Well, this is her 14th time doing it!

Sarah and Alex will run specifically for the pavement specials in an effort to support sterilisations. Sarah hopes to make 60 sterilisations possible, which will cost around R30,000.

“Every Comrades runner matters, just as every animal in our community matters,” Sarah says.

“I am a below average, untalented jogger, I am just another runner, but if my finish counts for anything, let it be a finish making a different to JUST another brown dog.”

You can support Sarah and Alex via their fundraiser, here. 

Sources: Kloof and Highway SPCA 

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Many bright and talented students are left behind as they do not qualify for government funding, but also can’t afford higher education fees in their own capacity. In an effort to support these ‘Missing Middle Students’, one professor is running the Comrades to raise funds!

Pretoria, South Africa (23 May 2025) — Professor André Ganswindt, Director of the Mammal Research Institute at the University of Pretoria will soon join runners from across the country at the upcoming Comrades Marathon. However, his reasons for running the phenomenal race are slightly different to most people’s driving factors. Prof Ganswindt is running with ‘missing middle students’ in mind, a gap that continues to grow in the struggling economy of South Africa.

‘Missing middle students’ as a term refers to those who are not in such a state of poverty that they can qualify for certain funding boosts (say, from the government or various trusts) but are not wealthy enough to afford university fees in a personal capacity either.

Prof Ganswindt hopes to run in support of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Scholarship Fund which provides financial assistance to academically strong learners who’d otherwise struggle to complete their education due to funding.

A respected wildlife researcher who has dedicated his life to protecting wildlife and empowering students, Prof Ganswindt knows the power that cracking a door open can have not just for a talented individual, but for a greater Africa.

Having mentored the next generation of researchers in our continent as the holder of the Oppenheimer Chair for Emerging African Scientists in Non-Invasive Wildlife Research, the Prof knows well that the more learners who access opportunities, the better our chances of a brighter future are.

You can support the Prof’s campaign here.

Sources: TuksAlumni; BackaBuddy 

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Brandon Gill recently celebrated his 27th birthday in a huge way, running for 27 hours (STRAIGHT) to raise funds for underprivileged children’s running shoes. 145kms, Brandon survived and surpassed his target!

Port Elizabeth, South Africa (18 May 2025) — It’s not everyday that a man decides to casually run for 27 hours straight, but Brandon Gill put himself up to the task for good reason: a lot of children in need would benefit from a birthday run like this.

Brandon dedicated his 27th birthday to community organisation Hope 4 Kids with a plan of action: he was going to tackle as many kilometres as possible to raise funds to purchase the kids running shoes.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to dream big, play freely, and explore the world around them, but for many children in underprivileged communities, something as simple as a pair of running shoes is out of reach,” said Brandon. “Without the right footwear, they miss out on the joys of running, sports, and even just having the confidence to be active.”

After a 10km road race he undertook in Colchester (in which multiple children ran barefoot, albeit with glee), Brandon became inspired to put his own running shoes to the best use.

“That day in Colchester inspired me to try and make a difference in some of these children’s lives.”

Last week Friday, Brandon kicked off his 27th birthday celebrations with his own personal marathon. Incredibly, he pushed on, one foot in front of the other, well into Saturday afternoon. We don’t even want to imagine how his body must’ve felt!

As his university, Nelson Mandela University, highlight, their biokineticist alumni surpassed the combined distance of the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons combined; clearing some 145kms!

The birthday run fundraiser was a massive success despite the challenges that are be expected from such an intense feat. From battling the cold to fighting through exhaustion, Brandon saw his initiative through not just by means of his own strength, but the encouragement of others including his girlfriend Jana Relihan who ran with him during the tough times, family members and friends and, heartwarmingly, the Hope 4 Kids children who joined him for the last stretch of the mission!

In fact, the kids crossed the finish line with Brandon; clapping and singing in a powerful moment Brandon expressed as one that meant the world to him.

Thanks to the big birthday run, Brandon raised R29,700 for the children’s running shoes.

Sources: NMU; BackaBuddy 

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Professor Karin Baatjies has a simple birthday wish: help healthcare students and the future of our healthcare system. But, she’s not just relying on lucky candles to make this happen.

Stellenbosch, South Africa (25 April 2025) — Professor Karin Baatjies of Stellenbosch University has once again put her birthday to the best use for the betterment of students and the future of our Healthcare System.

As the Vice Dean of Learning and Teaching for the University, Prof Baatjies knows well the struggles higher education students face financially. However, she’s not merely relying on lucky birthday candles to make the help happen!

Once again, the Prof is the driving force behind Birthday for Bursaries; an initiative that’s all about getting active and fundraising for the next generation set to lead our healthcare system.

Now in its third year, Birthday for Bursaries unites people through different challenges in a bid to raise funds and have fun in the process.

This year the activities included the Tyger Run/Walk, the Cape Town Cycle Tour, The Two Oceans Marathon and the 2025 Merrell Mammoth Woodridge Adventure Race. The funds raised contribute to the Ithemba Bursary Fund which provides essential financial help to deserving students.

In an exciting update, Birthday for Bursaries is rapidly nearing its target of R80,000, with Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences reporting that almost R70,000 has been raised already.

“This fund provides crucial financial support to health sciences students, ensuring no bright mind is left behind due to financial constraints,” shares the Prof.

Meanwhile in more news where healthcare workers are getting a boost, the Groote Schuur Hospital Trust has launched its own plan of action to support emergency surgeries in a bid to save more lives, more effectively. Read more, here. 

Sources: Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; GivenGain 

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The Exceptional Nurse Campaign is calling on Capetonians to champion the Night Run to Honour Nurses by joining the 7km race running in solidarity with nurse heroes.

Cape Town, South Africa (09 April 2025) — The Exceptional Nurse Campaign is calling on Capetonians to champion the cause ‘Night Run to Honour Nurses’ set to take place on 3 May.

The ‘fundracer’ will see participants run from the Mouille Point lighthouse for a 7km stretch as a way to showcase solidarity with nurses and the challenges they face.

Such challenges include the shortage of nursing staff in hospitals across South Africa (there is an estimated shortage of over 30,000 professional and specialist nurses in the government sector alone). This results in a skew patient-to-nurse ratio of 25:1.

Additionally, 50% of South Africa’s nurses are said to be over the age of 50, meaning they are approaching their retirement years.

Initiatives like the night run are then a powerful morale booster and a platform calling for action.

7kms isn’t a coincidence, either. It’s a symbol of the 7-to-7 shifts that many nurses tirelessly work.

“Nurses not only form the backbone but the beating heart of our Healthcare System,” says Sister Teresa Basson, founder of The Exceptional Nurse Campaign.

“The purpose of the night run is to raise awareness of the critical shortage of professional nurses in South Africa and to promote a culture of honour and gratitude towards all,” she says.

“Nurses play an essential role in the medical profession and health care system. We hope that through the work of The Exceptional Nurse Campaign and events that we host, we can change the tide of negative sentiment by highlighting all of the ‘exceptional nurses’ that help create beautiful miracles every day.”

Event Details:

When: Saturday, 3 May from 6 pm

Where: Starting at the Mouille Point lighthouse, Cape Town

Entry Fee: R130 per adult, R70 for children under 12 years old.

Sources: Supplied 

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Over 60 runners are planning to #Sweat4Sam at the Two Oceans Marathon this weekend in a concerted effort to support children who are fighting for their lives through Footprints 4 Sam:

Cape Town, South Africa (02 April 2025) — This weekend, over 60 determined and dedicated runners will #Sweat4Sam, taking on the Totalsports Two Oceans Half and Ultra Marathon to raise essential funds for critically ill little ones.

Footprints 4 Sam, founded by Melissa and Fred Platt, is a charity focused on supporting children and their families who are facing the daily challenges of living with a life-limiting illness.

The charity exists as the light through the cracks in the Platt’s lives as a love letter to their son, Samuel, who never got to come home; spending the entirety of his short life in hospital before sadly passing away at just over 15-and-a-half months.

Today, Sam’s legacy lives in Footprints 4 Sam, a means to support and make a meaningful difference in the lives of little ones navigating what is often a broken healthcare system.

You can learn more about the charity here.

As such, the participating runners are not just racing for sport; they’re running in solidarity for children in paediatric hospitals across our country.

Elizabeth Dunsmuir know firsthand the immense power of running with intention. When she lost her 13-year-old son, Joshua, to cancer in 2023, Elizabeth turned to running as a way to celebrate his memory and give back to others.

Her running helped her navigate grief. In 2024, she conquered the Two Oceans Half Marathon in a remarkable time of two hours, forty-three minutes and five seconds. Oh, and she also raised R35,326 for Footprints 4 Sam.

This year, Sam’s dad, Fred, will also be participating, marking his 11th marathon in memory of his son, along with Melissa, in what will be her 4th half marathon.

You can support their efforts without lacing up your running shoes by making a donation through Melissa’s campaign, here.

Sources: Supplied

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Former Springbok James Dalton is set to lace up his boots and join firefighters as they embark on yet another charity half marathon to support the Volunteer Wildfire Services team!

Cape Town, South Africa (19 March 2025) — For the past several years, the City of Cape Town’s firefighters have taken on an ambitious feat: tackling the Two Oceans Half Marathon (21.1 kilometres) to support the Volunteer Wildfire Services team. Forget cool running gear designed for athleticism; these firefighters do their charity half marathon in their uniforms.

Firefighters Jermaine Carelse and Renaldo Duncan have long been the drivers of the charity half marathon.

A dynamic duo and crowd favourite, the two know what an important role the Volunteer Wildfire Services team play in Cape Town. So, why not give them a boost?

Last year, Jermaine and Renaldo added even more weight to the challenge by wearing extra fire gear and equipment that few marathon runners would dare consider hitting the road with. This year, they’ll arrive at the start line with the additional 10 kilos of weight (including a self-containing breath apparatus once again) and a new friend joining their pursuit: former Springbok hooker James Dalton!

“Running this race for [Volunteer Wildlife Services] is a privilege,” James said. “These men and women put their lives on the line to protect our communities and the natural landscapes of the Western Cape, and they do it without hesitation.

“The least I can do is lace up my running shoes to help them secure the resources they need to keep fighting fires. If we can raise enough funds to purchase a new vehicle for their fleet, it will make a real difference in their ability to respond swiftly and effectively.”

Especially as wildfires continue to increase, efforts like this help support the heroes keeping communities safe. There are 350 volunteers at present, and some will be joining Jermaine, Renaldo and James, including volunteers Liam Gannon and Thomas Lennon.

“Our vehicles are in desperate need of replacement. We hope that funds raised through this initiative will allow us to purchase at least one rugged terrain vehicle to get our firefighters to the front lines,” said Jenny Scheffers, Volunteer Wildfire Services Chief Marketing Officer.

“If anyone feels inspired by our runners and the dedication of our firefighters, we encourage you to make a donation to help us continue our work,” Jenny added. 

You can support the charity half marathon’s efforts for the volunteers here. 

Sources: City of Cape Town

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Cape Town’s Nikki Parker is gearing up to run both stretches of the upcoming Two Oceans Marathon for animal welfare!

Cape Town, South Africa (16 March 2025) — Cape Town sports physiotherapist and animal lover Nikki Parker is preparing to take on both stretches of the upcoming Two Oceans Marathon this year, all in the name of animal welfare.

Nikki shares that she has had a “lifelong love and connection with animals”.

“Over the last 14 years I’ve poured that same passion into running, completing numerous Ultra-Marathons, Marathons, and Half-Marathons”, she adds.

However, this year, she’s taking matters to new lengths by running for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA in both the Two Oceans Ultra-Marathon and the Half Marathon—back to back.

This means that if everything goes according to plan, Nikki will run a total of 77kms—56kms for the Ultra and 21kms for the halfie, and we can feel the burn already!

“This rare feat has been accomplished by only a small handful of runners, but I’m not doing it solely for the thrill of the challenge. I’m running to make a difference for those who can’t speak for themselves: the countless animals in need of our care and protection,” Nikki says.

“By supporting my campaign, you’ll be helping the SPCA in their tireless work to prevent animal cruelty, rescue abused animals, and provide them with the love and safety they deserve.

“Every step I take will be for them, and with your help, we can turn this challenge into a lifeline for animals.”

Nikki’s GivenGain campaign has already raised just under R11,000, surpassing its initial R10,000 fundraising goal. She has since upped the ante to R15,000 (you can find it here), which is even more incentive to put her legs of steel to the test.

The Half and Ultra-marathons are taking place on 5 and 6 April, and if you’re planning on running for a reason, share your story with us via stories@goodthingsguy.com.

Sources: Email Submission 

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In the race to protect our natural heritage, runners are preparing to do their part again! Last year, nearly R1 million was raised for the SANParks Honorary Rangers and their conservation efforts through the Comrades’ charity channels. Now, the takkies on the ground are preparing to do it again.

South Africa (10 March 2025) — While events like the Comrades Marathon come and go, the race to protect our natural heritage is ongoing. Leveraging the Ultimate Human Race for long-term environmental good, hope has (and will) drum through the mightiest marathon in the form of determined runners. Their efforts—in the hours leading up to and on race day—have significantly impacted support for conservation efforts before. And they’re ready to do it again.

In 2024, close to R1 million was raised for the SANParks Honorary Rangers as one of the Comrades Marathon Association’s six official AmaBeadiBeadi charities. A volunteer organisation, the Honorary Rangers offer a vital helping hand to missions across the country. Beyond work on the ground, a big part of what they do is fundraising for SANParks.

These funds were spread to different areas of need, including the South African National Parks’ K9 anti-poaching units in the Table Mountain and Kruger National Parks, as well as for the rangers themselves through ‘Project Embrace’.

The K9 national project stands as a critical defence against a major challenge to conservation—poaching. Project Embrace, on the other hand, provides trauma counselling and support for field rangers and their families. As one can imagine, these rangers—whose nature of work is inherently dangerous—deeply benefit from help in the realm of well-being.

As Ian Catt, Treasurer KwaZulu-Natal Region of SANParks Honorary Rangers and Chairman of the SHR Comrades organising committee, explains:

“The support offered through Project Embrace supports field rangers whose demanding and often dangerous duties can lead to burnout and stress. This programme helps to promote ranger well-being and equips them to safeguard lives and wildlife effectively.”

With 2024’s success in mind, the Honorary Rangers are ready to race toward even more support in 2025.

An Even More Meaningful Marathon

If you’re tired of feeling frustrated about the plight that wildlife and many ecosystems face, this is a fantastic chance to help the helpers.

Runners passionate about conservation can choose SANParks Honorary Ranger as their preferred charity through the Race4Charity Platform and help them raise funds for conservation while participating in the marathon on 8 June.

“Our members across the country are ready to support runners who join our cause, and we look forward to encouraging all the runners as they make their way through our watering ‘hole’ on race day,” adds Ian.

When you race for a reason, you’re not only giving yourself even more motivation but also helping protect what is most precious.

Those seeking more information can get in touch with the Honorary Rangers via comrades@sanparksvolunteers.org.

Sources: Supplied

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When Stu Rayner first tackled multiple marathons in honour of his late cousin Rosa, through the Run for Rosa initiative, something incredible happened. The loss was turned into a legacy. A legacy that supported a young man’s journey through school (he’s now deputy head boy), a legacy that’s inspired people to turn pain into power and a legacy that’s just raised significant funds for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group.

South Africa (29 October 2024) — It takes spectacular determination to complete 11 marathons in 11 days, but that’s exactly what Stuart Rayner did earlier this year with his 2024 ‘Run for Rosa’ initiative—an initiative that continues to inspire South Africans to remember that while there is so much we can’t control, what we can, should be positive.

Run for Rosa began as a way to build a legacy for Rosa Carlyle Mitchell—Stu’s late cousin who tragically passed away on her 21st birthday in 2017.

Stu wanted to do something. Something to heal. Something to signify solidarity with her family and everyone who loved her, and something to make a difference in her honour.

Ambitiously, he decided to run 10 marathons in 13 days. Not only did it mark the beginning of the Run for Rosa initiative, it also changed the life of one Melusi Mahlaba by sponsoring his education at Kings School in Nottingham Road.

Today, Melusi has been elected as the deputy head boy of his school, while Run for Rosa sought a new way to make a difference by dedicating the 2024 marathons to the South African Anxiety and Depression Group.

For Stu, who has battled with obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety on top of the grief of losing Rosa, the plight of mental health support in South Africa is one close to his heart.

His hope was not just to raise funds for the SADAG (which the 2024 Run for Rosa did to the tune of R80,000) but also to inspire people to tackle their mental battles with physical ones.

“Running has been my sanctuary,” says Stu. “Through this challenge, I hope to have encouraged others to find their inner strength and to see exercise as a path to mental and emotional well-being.”

Stu completed the run in July of this year, right on time for Rosa’s birthday. It began in Plettenberg Bay on his birthday (16 July) and ended on 28 July in Cape Town at the very hotel where Rosa lost her life.

The SADAG couldn’t have been more appreciative of the support.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Run for Rosa Foundation for their efforts. Stu’s dedication and the community’s support are invaluable in raising both funds and awareness for mental health issues. Initiatives like these are vital in promoting mental wellness and providing much-needed resources,” says Cassey Chambers, the Operations Director of the SADAG.

But words can only capture so much of an effort in this big and impactful initiative. As such, Stu and the team have put together a short film “The Marathon Continues” that takes viewers not only through the run, but all the emotions of strength, love, loss, overcoming and enduring that are behind a mission like this.

The film is set to launch today, so keep an eye on the Run for Rosa Foundation’s socials to catch it!

Sources: Email Submission 

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