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THE500

June 17, 2025


THE500 24hr Cycling & Spinning Challenge is back…and this year it’s extra special!

We are celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2025, and we invite you to be part of this incredible milestone by joining us for the 7th edition of THE500 – our signature, bi-annual event that first launched in 2013. Since then, THE500 events in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023 have helped raised R3.6 million for various children’s charities!

This year’s event will take place at De Hoop Primary School in Somerset West, where cyclists, spinners, businesses, companies, schools and the broader community will come together for 24 hours of fun, fitness, and purpose – all united behind one goal: to raise R750,000 for various deserving children’s charities.

And because we’re turning 20, this year’s event is more than just a fundraiser – it’s a celebration of two decades of impact!

Watch the first video below for a glimpse into the unforgettable moments from past THE500 events.

The second video is our special 20th anniversary tribute – a celebration of the journey of Distance For Difference and everyone who has been part of our story.

 

Sign up as cyclists or spinners, as an individual or a team… encourage your school, organisation, company or business to enter!

Join us – and let’s make this our biggest year yet!

Together, we ride for purpose!

 

FAQ’s

Q: What exactly is THE500?
A: THE500 is a 24-hour charity endurance event that combines two challenges: a 500km cycling ride (10 × 50km laps) and a parallel 24- hour spinning marathon made up of 24 back-to-back 45-minute spinning sessions.

Q: When and where does the 2025 edition take place?
A: The ride runs from 10:00 on Saturday, 18 October to 10:00 on Sunday, 19 October 2025. The start/finish venue will be at De Hoop Primary School in Somerset West. Cyclists will do day loops for laps 1-4 (Somerset West – Stellenbosch – Kuilsrivier – Somerset West), night loops for laps 5-8 on Lourensford WIne Estate, and day loops again for laps 9-10.

Q: Which entry categories can I choose from?
A:

  • SOLO 500km (individual) – R1,700
  • Team of TWO 500km (new category for 2025 – share the distance) – R1,900 per team
  • Individual Laps (cycle one or more 50km laps) – R250 per lap
  • 24-hour SOLO Spinning Challenge (all 24 sessions) – R1,700
  • TEAM Spinning Bike (book a bike for 24 hours and rotate spinners) – R5,000
  • Single Spinning Sessions (book one or more 45-minute sessions) – R150 per session (this category will only open up later depending on availability)

Q: Is fundraising compulsory?
A: While not mandatory, every participant and team are encouraged to raise sponsorships to help us reach our event goal of R750,000 which will be used to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children in South Africa.

All SOLO cyclists, SOLO spinners and organisations are asked to aim for a minimum of R10,000 in fundraising. For spinning teams, this includes their upfront commitment – the entry fee of R5,000.

The most ever raised by an individual cyclist was R90,000 and some organisations have raised over R50,000 in the past. The highest total raised at a single THE500 event was R713,466 in 2021.

Q: What bike do I need?
A: Day laps: any well-maintained road or gravel bike.

Night laps: a mountain bike or gravel bike with good lights is strongly recommended.

Q: What support is on course and at the venue?
A: Cyclists return to the venue every 50km for a 10-15 minute refuel break. Basic mechanical, medical and nutritional support is provided. Spinners have access to water refill points and instructor-led motivation each hour.

Q: Can companies use THE500 as a team-building activity?
A: Yes! Book an entire spinning bike for 24 hours and rotate staff through the sessions – perfect for corporate wellness and CSI visibility.

Q: Is there a minimum age?
A: For safety reasons, spinners must be 13 years or older on event day and cyclists (minors 16-17) require a signed parent/guardian waiver.

Q: What if I can’t ride the full distance?
A: No problem – enter the Individual Lap category or a single spinning session. You’ll still share in the atmosphere and help raise funds for the kids through your entry.

Q: Are entries refundable or transferable?
A: Entries are not refundable. However, you may transfer your entry to another cyclist until 15 October 2025.

Q: Who benefits from the money raised?
A: Over 90% of funds go directly to South African child-focused charities such as Kingdom Kids, Little Angels, Heartlands Baby Sanctuary and others. A full list is published annually on d4dsa.co.za

Q: Where can I follow updates?
A:

Q: Where can I get more info if needed?
A: Email distance4difference@gmail.com or call Tacia Roux on +27 82 415 5595


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