GivenGain , the global fundraising platform founded by two South Africans , has partnered with Mindset Movement , a South African club focussed on transforming lives through endurance sport , to raise funds for local nonprofit organisations while taking on the formidable 13 Peaks Challenge in Cape Town , which spans some 108 kilometres and includes around 6000 metres of vertical gain in a route that connects 13 iconic peaks on Table Mountain and the greater Cape Peninsula . |
This challenge was created by South African trail-running ace Ryan Sandes , out of his desire to ‘ connect ’ the peaks in his beloved training ground on the Cape Peninsula . However , what started as a personal challenge quickly grew into a non-competitive exploration of wilderness , with the emphasis on savouring the journey itself , prioritising enjoyment over speed or completion time . This has seen many runners and hikers take on the challenge in recent years , some choosing to complete the challenge in one , two or multiple days .
Tackling the Peaks
Several athletes from Mindset Movement will be attempting to complete the 13 Peaks Challenge in under 24 hours in support of their chosen local non-profits on the 10th of October 2024 . One such participant is Didier de Villers . Last year , he became the first person to run the 13 Peaks twice consecutively in under 48 hours . This year , De Villiers is challenging himself yet further . His goal is to run the 13 Peaks every day for as many days as possible , whilst using it as an opportunity to raise funds in support of the Evelina Tshabalala Foundation .
“ I met Evelina in 2023 after I saw an Instagram post asking for donations to help her buy a Comrades Marathon entry ticket . She was a domestic worker for a friend of mine , and I went to meet her to see how I could help ,” says De Villiers . “ Over the next hour , I heard the story of an incredible woman who has not let tragedy and hardship define her life .”
Tshabalala made history in 1993 by finishing third in the Two Oceans Marathon and becoming the first black woman to claim a podium spot in this famous ultra-marathon . Despite this achievement , her life took a difficult turn when she was diagnosed with HIV / AIDS in the late 1990s , but since her diagnosis , Tshabalala
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has gone on to conquer more ultra-marathons as well as some of the highest peaks around the world .
She also became an activist in her community and founded the Evelina Tshabalala Foundation , which seeks to get children off the streets by participating in running , and provides support and resources to people living with HIV / AIDS while promoting healthy lifestyles and fitness , particularly through running . “ I used to run from Milnerton to Blouberg in the morning and I would see children from our community begging for money . This led me to start an initiative to help keep them off the streets ,” says Tshabalala .
More Challengers
Other fundraisers that will be attempting 13 Peaks in under 24 hours include Mark Wille and Simoné Fuls . Wille is raising funds for Ubuntu Football Trust , an organisation that uses football to empower youth in South Africa , and Fuls is running in support of Great Girls , a charity dedicated to empowering young women through education and support .
Kenzie Knott
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“ Taking on a challenge like 13 Peaks tests the mind and body , but it ’ s nothing compared to the obstacles these girls face every day . By supporting Great Girls , we can help shape these young women into strong , independent and skilled individuals , ready to conquer the world ,” comments Fuls .
The 13 Peaks Challenge is also the ‘ feat of choice ’ for 11-year-old GivenGain fundraiser Kenzie Knott , who earlier this year climbed all 13 peaks in six days with her dad to raise funds for rhinos . “ My passion has always been the mountains and animals . I wanted to make a difference by attempting my fourth 13 Peaks Challenge to raise R15,000 for the Rhino Orphans ,” she says .
Increasing Trend
GivenGain is a global leader in cloud-based activism , and has joined forces with many mass-participation and endurance events , including the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon , Absa Cape Epic , Cape Town Cycle Tour , Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon and the 947 Ride Joburg . Internationally , GivenGain has partnered with the likes of the Boston Marathon , which has seen an increase of 68 % in its fundraising efforts as a direct result .
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“ We mobilise fundraising for mass-participation events as well as empower individuals and communities to make an impact ,” says Jannie Smith , Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at GivenGain . “ We are also a non-profit , driven by purpose , not profit , so all fees are reinvested into building new tools to continue making giving easier for all . It is extremely exciting to see a growing trend in recent years where individuals and communities create their own challenges to raise funds on GivenGain . They are really taking things into their own hands to make a difference in South Africa .”
To support De Villiers and the other Mindset Movement fundraisers this October , visit their GivenGain page and follow them on Instagram for the latest updates . To support Kenzie Knott in raising funds for rhinos , please visit her GivenGain page . And to find out more about GivenGain as a fundraiser , charity or an event , please visit www . givengain . com .
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Images : Courtesy GivenGain , 13 Peaks Challenge |