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Ballito Junction runners step up to support Hello Poppy

The non-profit organisation is dedicated to supporting senior citizens and helping them feel valued, connected and cared for.

More than 200 runners painted Ballito pink and orange last Saturday as they took on the fifth annual Ballito Junction 5km Community Fun Run.

Thobeka Swana, Zama Kheswa, Chané Cotton, Sbonakaliso Cele and Mthaniya Zulu.

Held in celebration of Women’s Month, the event brought together runners of all ages for a morning of fitness and fun.

Karuna Eraman.

Medals and goodie bags were handed out to the first 180 registered runners, while spot prizes, a photo booth and a live DJ added to the festive atmosphere.

Sbonokuhle Maphumulo heads to the finish line.

The run was a fundraising event for non-profit organisation Hello Poppy, which is dedicated to supporting senior citizens and helping them feel valued, connected and cared for. The organisation’s work reaches elderly people across KZN and other parts of South Africa.

Melissa Felt and Richard Smout.

The annual run was held in collaboration with Balwin Properties, Workshop17, Vodacom 4U and Skechers, with aQuellé keeping runners hydrated as the event’s hydration partner.

Enjoying their run: Akashni Pillay and Vijay Govender.

Ballito Junction CEO Geraldine Jorgensen said the run was a success and that several participants walked away with prizes from participating tenants.

Michelle Archer and Rozelle Diez.

“Together with our sponsors for the 2026 event, we are incredibly proud of what we achieved,” she said.

“We are sincerely grateful to the Ballito community for showing up, getting involved and helping us give back.”


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Sboniso Dlamini

Sboniso has been a journalist with The North Coast Courier since 2014. He is passionate about making a positive impact in people's lives through his storytelling. He finds joy in sharing the stories of ordinary people, believing that everyone has a story worth telling.
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