23 Jun Cape Town Festival of Running throws lifeline to animals through SPCA partnership
By Adnaan Mohamed
The Cape Town Festival of Running has added a fresh heartbeat to its 2026 edition, with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA named as an official beneficiary for the first time in the event’s 26-year history. It will also be the second year the Festival of Running will be supporting the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as a beneficiary.
With entries already open for the popular Sea Point-based festival on July 18 and 19, organisers are hoping runners will not only chase personal bests along Cape Town’s iconic Atlantic coastline, but also help change the lives of vulnerable animals one kilometre at a time.
Hosted by Hewat Athletics Club, the festival caters for everyone from first-time participants to seasoned ultra-distance campaigners. The programme includes a 50km ultra marathon, a 21.1km half marathon and a5x5km relay.
This year, however, the spotlight extends beyond the finish line.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has been selected as an official charity partner, giving participants the option of supporting animal welfare when entering the event.
“The Cape Town Festival of Running has always been about community, inclusion and making a positive impact,” said Sonia Peters, Chairperson of Hewat Athletic Club.
“We are delighted to welcome the Cape of Good Hope SPCA as an official beneficiary. Every runner has an opportunity to turn their race into something even more meaningful and help support the incredible work the organisation does every day.”
The initiative is simple. Athletes register for their chosen race, select the SPCA as their charity and donate an amount of their choice. Runners contributing R300 or more will receive a special token of appreciation from the organisation.
The partnership adds an extra layer of purpose to a festival already renowned for its scenic routes.
The half marathon route starts on the Sea Point Promenade opposite the SABC building before sweeping along Beach Road, climbing towards Kloof Road and Victoria Road, and heading in the direction of Hout Bay. The Atlantic Ocean shadows runners for much of the journey, while rolling hills provide a reminder that beauty and brutality often share the same address in distance running.
The festival’s flagship 50km ultra marathon gets underway at 07:00 on Saturday, July 18, followed by the 5x5km relay at midday. The half marathon starts at 07:30 on Sunday, July 19.
“Whether you are taking your first steps in the relay or tackling the ultra marathon, every participant becomes part of a bigger story,” the said Peters.
“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together behind a common cause. This partnership allows runners to celebrate Madiba weekend while making a tangible difference in the lives of animals who need care and protection.”
Entry fees are R360 for the 50km ultra marathon,R250 for the half marathon and R400 per senior relay team. Athletes over the age of 70 receive a 50% discount on the half marathon entry fee.
CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR ENTRY
With medals awaiting all finishers and one of the country’s most spectacular coastal routes on offer, the festival is once again preparing to flood Sea Point’s roads with a colourful river of runners.
This year, every stride carries the chance to leave paw prints of hope long after the finish line has been crossed.
RunFor Animals. Change A Life. – Cape Of Good Hope SPCA
