The race will take place on Sunday, 15 November at Old Parks Sports Club in Bordeaux, Randburg and forms part of Cotlands' 90th anniversary celebration, says the NPO.

Held two days after World Kindness Day, this year's event aims to perfectly reflect the spirit of the occasion and the legacy that Cotlands has aimed to build over nine decades. Every entry into the Run to Play Race helps provide vulnerable children with access to quality early childhood care and education through the power of play, adds the NPO.

More than a race, Run to Play is a movement that encourages South Africans to turn kindness into action. Whether participants choose the 2 km fun run / walk, 5 km or 10 km race, every kilometer completed helps Cotlands create brighter futures for young children by expanding access to Cotlands play-based early learning programmes, says the NPO.

The event aims to create a memorable day for all ages, featuring the Cotlands Pop-up Toy Library, children's entertainment, live music, food and a finish-line celebration, adds the NPO.

Corporate teams are also encouraged to swap boardroom meetings for the starting line and take part in a team-building experience that creates a lasting social impact, says the NPO.

Dr Monica Stach, Chief Executive Officer of Cotlands, says the timing of this year's race carries special significance.

"As Cotlands celebrates 90 years of kindness and impact, we are reminded that small acts of compassion can create extraordinary change. Hosting Our Run to Play Race just after World Kindness Day is a powerful way to honour legacy while looking to the future. Every race entry is an act of generosity that helps give vulnerable children access to quality early childhood care and education through the power of play," says Stach.

"More than one million young children in South Africa are still missing out on an early learning programme, denying them the strong foundation they need to thrive," adds Stach. "Through this race, we hope to raise awareness for this critical challenge and inspire individuals, families and businesses to become part of the solution."

"Every runner, walker and supporter is helping us build a kinder South Africa, one where every child has the opportunity to play, learn, grow and thrive," says Stach.

This year's event is supported by MDS Collivery, the official Race Pack Delivery Partner, making it easier than ever for participants to receive their race packs before race day free of charge, says the NPO.

"At MDS Collivery, we believe that meaningful partnerships have the power to create lasting impact. As the largest same-day delivery service in South Africa, we are proud to partner with Cotlands for the race and support an event that reflects the values of kindness, community and opportunity," says Ziphozonke Zuma, Marketing Manager at MDS Collivery.

"By delivering race packs directly to participants, we're helping make the race experience as convenient as possible while supporting a cause that is transforming the lives of young children across South Africa."

According to Cotlands, participants can choose from three distances:

  • 2 km fun run / walk: R100
  • 5 km run: R180
  • 10 km run: R200, and
  • official race T-shirt (optional): R120.

Race day begins at 06:30, with the 5 km and 10 km races starting at 07:30 and the 2 km fun run / walk beginning at 08:00. Participants are encouraged to arrive before 07:00. Limited parking is available, and ridesharing is recommended, says the NPO.

As Cotlands marks 90 years of kindness, the organisation concludes by inviting South Africans to celebrate this milestone by taking part in an event that turns kindness into action and helps give every child the best possible start in life.

For more information, visit www.cotlands.org. You can also follow Cotlands on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or Instagram.

*Image courtesy of www.cotlands.org