COMRADES NEWS
Running for a Cause
Charitable
Many long-distance runners like to tie their running in with fundraising for a worthy cause, as it motivates them to stick to their training commitments, and to push through the harder parts of a run or race. That had played a huge role in the success of the Comrades Amabeadibeadi Charities and Race4Charity initiatives.
After 75 years of enormous support from people of South Africa, the Comrades Marathon Association( CMA) decided it was time to put something back into the communities that have graciously supported the event since its inception in 1921. That led to the birth of the CMA’ s AmaBeadiBeadi Charity Drive, and since 1996, this initiative has raised over R76-million for worthy causes, mainly through the Comrades Marathon’ s Race4Charity, where runners can run for a designated charity, as well as through the generous donations and support of Comrades runners, supporters, volunteers, sponsors, and partners.
Last year’ s Comrades Marathon raised another R6,477,983 for the six official charities that formed part of the 2024 AmaBeadiBeadi Charity drive, and this year, the fundraising total has steadily ticked up to similar levels in the weeks leading up to the race. With many donations still to come in after the race, we could see even more raised in 2025.
Make every kilometre count by fundraising for one of our six official charities, all doing incredible work to help others and improve lives.
Childline KZN www. childlinekzn. org. za
At Childline KZN, our mission is simple but profound: To create a safer, kinder world for every child. We work daily to protect vulnerable children from abuse, neglect and exploitation through our 24-hour toll-free crisis line, community outreach, counselling, and prevention programmes across KwaZulu-Natal. We stand as a voice for those who are often unheard, offering healing, support, and hope.
Being part of the Comrades Marathon’ s Race4Charity has been an uplifting and powerful experience. It has helped raise essential funds for our work and brought together a community of passionate runners who believe in the importance of protecting and uplifting our children. Every step taken by our runners brings us closer to a future where all children feel safe and valued.
Childhood Cancer Foundation
https:// choc. org. za
CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa is a beacon of hope for children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders. Established in 1979 by parents who understood the challenges of childhood cancer firsthand, CHOC has grown into a national organisation providing comprehensive support to children, their families, and the medical teams involved in their care.
CHOC offers practical, emotional and educational support – from accommodation near treatment centres, to psychosocial counselling and nutritional aid. This holistic model ensures that no child or family faces the journey alone. Importantly, CHOC also raises awareness about the early warning signs of childhood cancer, helping improve survival rates.
The support we’ ve received through this initiative has allowed us to reach more children in crisis, train caregivers and educators, and respond more effectively to abuse and trauma. More than anything, it has reminded us that together, we can make a lasting difference.
To every runner and supporter, thank you. You’ re not just running a race. You’ re running for the future of our children.
As a beneficiary of the Comrades Marathon, CHOC unites runners behind a deeply meaningful cause. Every stride taken by the CHOC Cows represents strength, courage and commitment, echoing the journey of each brave young warrior diagnosed with cancer. The funds raised play a critical role in sustaining CHOC’ s services and expanding its reach across South Africa.
To all the CHOC Cows running Comrades … Run with purpose. Run for hope. Run for CHOC – because kids can’ t fight cancer alone.
Images: Dean Venish, Action Photo SA, Stuart Mann
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