Fitness enthusiasts, families and community teams across the Western Cape are invited to celebrate Heritage Day with purpose as The Gratitude Run 2026 returns to the scenic Dornier Wines near Stellenbosch on Thursday 24 September.

Organised by Distance For Difference (D4D), the annual sports fundraiser combines movement, charity and local community spirit. Founded in 2005, D4D has raised more than R14 million through athletic events to directly support vulnerable children in need.

This year’s edition features four entry options catering to all fitness levels:

• 5km Fun Run/Walk – designed for families, casual walkers and beginners;

• 10km Trail Run – a classic route winding through the local winelands terrain;

• 20km Trail Run – updated for 2026 with a slight loop extension of roughly 500 m; runners completing two loops will cover approximately 21,1km, effectively serving as an unofficial trail half-marathon and testing the waters for a dedicated category in future years; and

• 3×4×5 Team Relay – for corporate, school, club or friend groups of three to five participants; teams compete across men’s, women’s or mixed categories to complete as many 3 km laps as possible within a four-hour window.

The event enters 2026 on a high after participants gave it a five-star rating last year, highlighting the venue, organisation and warm atmosphere. Early ticket sales are pacing well ahead of last year’s timeline.

“All profits from the event go towards the work and beneficiaries of D4D,” said Stéphan Pieterse, founder and chairperson of D4D. “Every entry, every team, every sponsor and every volunteer helps us continue supporting children in need. The Gratitude Run is a practical way for people to spend Heritage Day doing something active, meaningful and hopeful.”

Entries are limited to 900 and are open online via Quicket.

For more details, visit www.d4dsa.co.za or follow @distance4difference on social media.