The Breast Intentions Colour Run 2025, amplified by 5FM, lit up the Thaba Trails on September 27, drawing over 780 participants for a cause that combined fitness, fun, and purpose.

Among the runners and walkers were deeply personal stories motivating their participation. Janine Strassio ran to honour two special women in her life.

Holding a photograph of her late mother, Leonie, a cancer survivor for 19 years who lost her battle four years ago, Strassio said: “I’m doing this run for her and Kayla. She has terminal cancer.”

Participants of all ages took on the 5km trail, moving through bursts of vibrant colour powder before finishing at a festival-style area with music, entertainment, and food stalls.

The event formed part of Breast Intentions’ Give Hope. Fund a Scan campaign, which raises funds to provide mammograms for women in need. Every ticket sold helped sponsor an essential scan, contributing to early detection of breast cancer, a vital step that saves lives.

Adding further impact, Netcare sponsored 100 free mammograms for participants, ensuring immediate and tangible support for women’s health.

Ryan Kalk, joint MD of the Balwin Foundation, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming turnout. “There were 784 people who joined us, and each of them contributed something far greater than just a fun run,” he said.

Kalk also thanked the organisations that made the event possible, including Balwin Properties, Thaba Trails, Suzuki, Iythutha, Netcare, Saguaro Barefoot Shoes, Roots Thokoza, Clean Green, ICS Group, Graff Brakes Kempton Park, Waterhero, 32Gi, Pick n Pay, Levant Security, Mogu Juices, SSG, Medi Response, and Events Guys.

A special acknowledgement was given to Wendell Bole of Thaba Trails, who designed the trails and routes for the day.