As he approaches his 62nd birthday in December Howard Warrington is proving age is just a number. With a staggering line-up of upcoming endurance milestones he is channelling every kilometre into a profound mission: changing the lives of vulnerable animals through the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.

Rather than slow down, the legendary multi-sport athlete is stepping-up his game. Next year he will tackle the iconic 109 km Cape Town Cycle Tour for an incredible 29th time. Having raced the event competitively in the past his focus has shifted toward savoring the spectacular route, embracing the challenge and rallying support for Team SPCA.

The Somerset West local’s calendar reads like an endurance athlete’s ultimate checklist:

• The Full Ironman Triathlon (April): His 10th full Ironman, featuring a 3.8km sea swim, 180 km cycle, and 42,2 km run, all to be completed within a 17-hour window.
• Robben Island Crossings: He currently sits at 235 crossings, with his sights set on reaching 250 before the Ironman, ultimately aiming for 300 and improving on his 2024 Guinness World Record. (His endurance foundations were heavily forged training for his historic English Channel crossing in 2018).
• Half-marathons: Having completed 248 official half marathons, Warrington is eyeing the prestigious Two Oceans Half Marathon to mark his milestone 250th finish.

ALSO READ: From Robben Island to False Bay: Howard Warrington swims 33km for SPCA goal

“Goals give us direction, but the journey gives us growth,” he reflected. “I hear people often say, ‘You only live once.’ We know that you only die once, but you live every day. So why not make the most of every opportunity, pursue your dreams, inspire others, and leave a little kindness behind?”

The ripple effect: how athletes drive animal welfare

Behind Warrington’s personal challenges lies a deep love for animals and a desire to give a voice to the voiceless. His partnership with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA has transformed extraordinary athletic feats into sustained, life-saving support.

According to Belinda Abrahams, Communication Manager at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, endurance athletes and milestone campaigns are invaluable to the organisation.

“An athlete’s milestone can draw attention to the animals and the work that would otherwise go unseen,” she said.

Abrahams highlights Warrington’s remarkable track record of impact, including his 200th Robben Island to Blouberg swim in 2024, his 2022 Swim4Survival campaign (which raised R131,710), and his January 2026 False Bay attempt which, despite difficult conditions forcing an early exit, successfully raised nearly R65 000 for animal sterilisation outreach.

Where do the funds go?

Donations tied to Team SPCA campaigns are strictly allocated according to the fundraiser’s purpose. While Warrington’s current campaign directly fuels mass sterilisation outreach, primary veterinary care, and mobile transport, other initiatives — such as upcoming participation in the Cape Town Cycle Tour — help offset the operational costs of running animal shelters and rehoming companion animals.

Rising demands across the Western Cape

The need for animal welfare services has never been more urgent. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA oversees animal welfare across a vast 3 200km² service area in the Western Cape, facing unprecedented operational pressures.

In the 2025/26 period 27 181 stray, surrendered and seized animals entered SPCA care, marking a 12,3% increase from the previous year.

Family pet surrenders spiked by 43,7% and pets brought directly to the Animal Hospital by their owners for treatment increased by 51,9%.

Operating across such a wide territory amid soaring fuel costs presents a massive logistical challenge. However, the SPCA is committed to going beyond emergency rescues through its Beyond Rescue strategy. This comprehensive approach focuses on upstream solutions: mass sterilisations, accessible veterinary care, community outreach, humane education and robust animal protection.

How you can make a difference

You don’t need to swim across False Bay or conquer an Ironman to change an animal’s life. As Abrahams points out everyone can play a vital role in supporting the SPCA’s mission:

• – Set up a monthly donation of any amount to sustain ongoing rescue and care operations.
• – Join Team SPCA or organise your own community fundraiser.
• – Adopt, volunteer, or foster an animal in need.
• – Share SPCA appeals and content on social media to amplify their reach.
• – Report animals in distress immediately so response teams can intervene.

ALSO READ: No-fly heroes wear Speedos