Runners of Hope (RoH) marked a year of significant growth, achievement and community impact in 2025, further strengthening its identity as a home of holistic wellness that blends spiritual fellowship with physical fitness.

Reflecting on the year, chairperson Makhosini Shongwe expressed gratitude and pride for the club’s progress.

“We are excited about what the club has achieved. A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated our seventh anniversary.

“We pride ourselves on all that we have achieved. Over the years, we have been able to attract more runners to a blend of spiritual fellowship and physical fitness,” he said.

ALSO READ: Gauteng dominates at Bladesports SA National Cutting Championship

Throughout 2025, RoH maintained structured training sessions, weekly group runs, and participated in major national races that helped solidify the club’s presence in the running community.

The club now has more than 220 registered members across all Hope Restoration Ministries campuses.

Key milestones in 2025 included:
• Regular midweek training groups and Saturday club runs
• A strong presence in major races, including high completion rates at the Comrades Marathon
• Hosting the annual Comrades preparation run at the Cradle of Humankind
• Continuing outreach partnerships with the Devoted Citizen Movement
• Together with Devoted Citizen Movement, honouring Mr J Mosehla for his contribution and achievements in athletics
• Partnering with medical professionals to develop running education and inspiration programmes
• Strengthening club structures to support events and sustained growth
• Commemorating key health awareness dates, including Lupus and HIV/Aids awareness
Shongwe said the club successfully met several key objectives set at the start of 2025, including:
• Promoting holistic wellness by supporting physical fitness and spiritual well-being
• Building a family-oriented, supportive running community for all levels
• Inspiring purpose-driven running through their motto. “Running with Purpose”
• Encouraging inclusivity and accessibility across all HRM campuses
• Giving back through outreach, using running as a platform for charity and community upliftment.
Plans for 2026
The club’s ambitions for the upcoming year include:
• Hosting its first official race
• Rolling out quarterly health-awareness events under the theme HopeHeals
• Conducting ongoing masterclasses for the broader running community
• Hosting the Hope Family Night Run in Kempton Park
• Developing young and emerging runners
• Strengthening the club’s sponsorship and engagement model.

“Looking ahead, 2026 is a calendar brimming with purpose, one that will enable us to live out our vision and run with endurance. We will make 2026 a year of unforgettable hope and achievements,” Shongwe said.