WATCH: Run for the Bibleless draws hundreds of faithful

“Where many gather in the name of the Lord, great things happen.”

March 18, 2026

Jani de Beer 2 minutes read

Group of people running — And they are off! More than 400 participants took off from the starting line at 08:00 to participate in the third annual Run for the Bibleless, hosted by Wycliffe South Africa. Photo: Jani de Beer

The atmosphere was electric at the Bunny Park on March 14 as more than 400 faithful participants gathered for the third annual Run for the Bibleless.

Hosted by Wycliffe South Africa, the event creates awareness and raises funds for Bible translation projects across Southern Africa.

Black man standing with a black — Resource mobilisation and advocacy co-ordinator for Wycliffe South Africa, Mesuli Tshele, with his son, Lesedi Ntomane (10). Photo: Jani de Beer

Two elderly women — Representing the ‘gogos’ are Belinda Else and Maybel Pooe. Photo: Jani de beer

Shortly before the starting whistle, Wycliffe resource mobilisation and advocacy co-ordinator Mesuli Tshele explained the organisation targets minority language groups like Mapulana, Baphuthi and amaBhaca, as well as the Kaaps, in South Africa.

“There are about 7 500 languages in the world and only 10% have some sort of Bible. There are some that have the full version while others only have access to a portion of the scripture translated in their heart-language.

“Many people don’t realise the power the word of God holds because they have never had access to it in their mother tongue. They therefore live without hope as they have never experienced His salvation.”

Man running — Panache Nyamamde runs to spread the word of God. Photo: Jani de Beer

The Benoni fun run coincided with a similar event in Mbombela on the same day. Cape Town and Rustenburg will be hosting fun runs in June.

“Churches and religious groups throughout Benoni have been formidable in their support. God’s presence is strong here,” said Tshele.

Dressed to portray Moses, theology student Josh Soal said that he supported the event to assist in getting Bibles into the hands of every person searching for redemption.

“The Word carries great power. I want people to be able to build a relationship with Jesus,” he said.

Three men — Top three finishers in the men’s 7.5km run are (left): claiming third place is Jericho Govender (14), Khanye Mabula (first) and Craig Botha (second). Photo: Jani de Beer

Finishing the 3.5km junior event, Lesedi Ntomane (10) looked at his medal with great pride.

“This shows that I did something to help another person meet God,” he said.

“It’s not fair that some people have to learn a different language just to be able to read the Bible. Today I helped them to get a version in their language and that makes me happy.”

White man wearing sunglasses — Josh Soal secured first place in the senior 3.5km run. Photo: Jani de Beer

Wycliffe South Africa is currently working in 26 language groups – Sepulana in Limpopo and Bushbuckridge, Kaaps in Western Cape, Sephuthi in Lesotho and amaBhaca in the Eastern Cape.

For more information about their ongoing projects or to get involved, contact Mesuli Tshele on 011 452 2714/5.