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The Gratitude Run

April 28, 2026


Celebrate Heritage Day (and Braai Day) with Purpose!

This Heritage Day — Thursday, 24 September 2026— South Africans will be firing up the braais to celebrate their heritage, and we’re inviting you to kick off the celebrations with a heart-pumping run or walk for a great cause…The GRATITUDE Run 2026! Join Distance For Difference (D4D) at the breathtaking Dornier Wines for a very special edition of The GRATITUDE Run, as we not only honour our heritage but also mark D4D’s 21st year of making a difference!

Whether you’re a serious runner or a casual walker, this event is all about gratitude, giving back and good vibes. All proceeds (after direct expenses) will go directly to D4D’s mission of supporting children’s charities such as Tzadokah Foster Home, Sylvia’s House, Kingdom Kids, Esther van Zyl Foster Care, Joya Homes and many more

So lace up your running shoes, bring your braai spirit – and let’s make The GRATITUDE Run 2026 one to remember!

You can choose one of four ways to participate:

1) 5km FUN RUN / WALK

Young and old are invited to join in the fun! You can either choose to run or walk the 5km and set your own pace!

Online Entry Fee: R135 (Adults – 12 years & older), R75 (Children under 12 years)

Late On The Day Entry Fee: R150 (Adults – 12 years & older), R90 (Children under 12 years)

Starting Time: 08h00

 

2) 10km TRAIL RUN

This one is for all trail running enthusiasts. Come and experience the beautiful route and trails on Dornier Wines. It promises to be an interesting mix! No children under the age of 14, will be allowed to participate in this Trail Run.

Online Entry Fee: R220

Late Entry Fee: R240

Starting Time: 07h30

 

3) 20km TRAIL RUN

This one is for all trail running enthusiasts who want to go the extra mile, literally! Come and experience the beautiful 10km trail route at Dornier Wines – twice! You will be doing two loops of the 10km trail, giving you two chances to take in all the beauty around you. Please note: no children under the age of 14 will be allowed to participate in this Trail Run.

Online Entry Fee: R260

Late Entry Fee: R280

Starting Time: 07h00

4) 3 x 4 x 5 | TEAM RELAY RUN

The GRATITUDE Run welcomes back a classic and favourite category! Runners enter as a team (3, 4 or preferably 5 members per team). Team members will run laps of 3km each. The challenge for teams will be to complete as many 3km laps as possible in the allotted time period, i.e., 4 hours (07h45 – 11h45). Nominate a team captain, decide on a cool name & theme for your team and bring along heaps of team spirit!

There are 3 categories to choose from:

MEN Only Team

WOMEN Only Team

MIXED Team (At least 1 woman in a 3-member team and 2 women in a 4- or 5-member team).

Teams are encourage to involve non-runners, family, friends and/or companies, by having them sponsor your team. This way we can ALL show GRATITUDE and reach our fundraising target of R200,000 to change the lives of children.

It is all about team work and supporting your team mates, while they are soaking in the exquisite surrounds of the beautiful Dornier Wines. There will be live music, prizes, lucky draws, enthusiastic athletes and sponsors supporting a worthy cause!

Online Entry fee: R850 per team

Starting Time: 07h45

Race Number Collections: You can pick up your race number at times and venues that will be confirmed and communicated closer to the event (only if you have bought your ticket online (via Quicket) BEFORE THURSDAY 17 September @ 18h00). After that all entrants must pick up there numbers on the morning of the event from 06h00 at the registration tables. Be there 40 mins before the start of your race.

T-shirts: Our beautiful blue moisture management GRATITUDE Run T-shirts will be for sale at the number pick-up points and at the D4D Merchandise Table on the morning of the event.

It is not joy that makes us GRATEFUL, it is GRATITUDE that makes us JOYFUL!

Please note that PARKING on the farm is limited. To ensure a smoother experience for everyone, we encourage carpooling or using services like Uber, to help reduce the number of vehicles on site. Thank you for your cooperation in this regard!

Watch this short video of last year’s event at Dornier Wines:

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.

We hope to welcome you to The Gratitude Run community soon!

FAQ’s

Q: What is The GRATITUDE Run all about?
A: A family-friendly morning of running or walking at Dornier Wines, Stellenbosch, to celebrate good health and raise funds for several children’s charities through D4D. Every rand left after direct costs goes straight to the beneficiaries.

Q: When and where is it?
A: Heritage Day, Thursday 24 September 2026.
Venue: Dornier Wines, Blaauwklippen Road, Stellenbosch

Q: Where and when will registration and number pick-up happen?
A: To be confirmed, but normally this will take place a few days before the event at Sportsmans Warehouse in Somerset West and Stellenbosch. Details will be communicated to all ticket holders a few weeks before the event. Registration can also be done at Dornier Wines from 06h00 on the morning of the event.

Q: Which distances or formats can I enter?
A:

  1. 5km Fun Run/Walk (all ages)
  2. 10km Trail Run (14 yrs+)
  3. 20km Trail Run (14 yrs+) – Two loops of the 10km route
  4. 3 x 4 x 5 Team Relay – 3km relay loop, 4 hours, maximum 5 team members – how many laps can your team complete?

Q: What are the entry fees?
A:

  1. 5km: R135 (12 yrs+) / R75 (U12)
  2. 10km Trail: R220
  3. 20km Trail: R260
  4. Team Relay: R850

Q: Can I enter on the day?
A: Yes, if the event is not sold out. On-the-day entries cost an extra R15-R20 and close 30 minutes before each start time. Cash, SnapScan and card payments are accepted. Not applicable for Team Relay entries.

Q: Are there age limits?
A:

  1. 5km Fun Run/Walk: Open to all ages (U12 must run with an adult).
  2. 10km & 20km Trail: minimum age of 14 on race day.

Q: What time do the races start?
A:

  1. 20km Trail: 07:00
  2. 10km Trail: 07:30
  3. Team Relay: 07:45
  4. 5km Fun Run/Walk: 08:00

Q: Is fundraising compulsory?
A: No, but we encourage every participant, especially the relay teams to ask friends and colleagues to sponsor their effort. The teams will also be given the option to have a personalised GivenGain page with e team specific fundraising goal.

Q: What about water, medals and prizes?
A: Two water tables will be available on the 10km Trail Route (the 20km route includes both), stocked by AquaSky. Special 60mm Bronze GRATITUDE Run Medals for the Top 10 men and women in the 10km and 20km Trail Runs, the Top 5 men and women in the 5km Fun Run, as well as the team members of the winning team in the three relay event categories. All other finishers receive smaller medals. Special prizes for the top 3 finishers in each race. Plenty of lucky draw prizes (all entries eligible).

Q: Will there be T-shirts available?
A: Our beautiful blue Moisture Management GRATITUDE Run shirts (short and long sleeve) will be available for purchase at the number collection pick-up points as well as at the D4D Merchandise Table on the morning of the event from 06h00. Have a look at the look at the designs in the image gallery.

Q: Can I run with a pram or my dog?
A: Prams are welcome only on the 5km route. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed at Dornier Wines.

Q: Are entries refundable or transferable?
A: Entries are not refundable. You may transfer your entry to another runner until 14 September 2026.

Q: What should I bring?
A: Trail shoes for 10km and 20km are preferred but can be done with normal road running shoes as well; a reusable water bottle or cup, sunblock, and plenty of good vibes and lekker spirit. There will be a variety of food and coffee stalls.

Q: Who benefits from the money raised?
A: Over 80% of the funds raised reach South African child-focused charities such as Kingdom Kids, Little Angels, Heartlands Baby Sanctuary and others. D4D aims to keep their operational costs to below 20% which is unheard of for non-profit organisations. See the “Beneficiary” tab on this site for a few examples and their websites/videos. A full beneficiary list is published at d4dsa.co.za (https://d4dsa.co.za/our-beneficiaries/).

Q: Where can I follow updates?
A:

Q: Where can I get more info if needed?
A: Email distance4difference@gmail.com or call Caro Pieterse on 079 875 1886.

 

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