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In a city defined by mountain silhouettes, ocean air and unmistakable resilience, it’s the rhythm of footsteps at sunrise and sunset that tells a far more powerful story. Across Cape Town, running has evolved beyond sport into a movement, driven not just by elite athletes, but by the communities that show up, day after day, to support, uplift and push one another forward.
South Africa is known as a sporting nation, where sport holds the power to change lives. adidas returns to where it all begins: the communities that fuel every journey. This is a tribute to the often-overlooked champions – the teammates, club captains, and supporters whose belief lifts athletes through both pressure and possibility.
As Sanlam Cape Town Marathon continues its pursuit of becoming the first Abbot World Marathon Major on african soil, it is these communities that form the foundation of that ambition. adidas shines a light on the true heartbeat of the movement – Cape Town’s running clubs and crews, whose spirit and support carry it forward.
adidas celebrates these communities as the teammates before the start gun – the unwavering support system that shows up long before race day and remains long after the finish line. They’re the reason runners lace up when motivation dips, the voices on the sidelines, and the steady rhythm beside every training mile. Because in Cape Town, no one runs alone.
Across the city, from Sea Point’s promenade to the streets of Khayelitsha and the leafy routes of Constantia, running has become more than fitness. It has become culture. Crews like Running Late Club, adidas Runners Cape Town, VOB Running Club and Khayelitsha Athletics Club are building spaces where performance meets purpose and competition meets connection.
For Drew Ngcaba, captain of adidas Runners Cape Town, the power of community is deeply personal. “adidas Runners saved my life. When I was recovering from knee surgery, I couldn’t run, I couldn’t train and I was in a dark place. But the community kept me going. Serving the community kept me going. That’s what it means to me,” says Drew.
Having experienced the marathon’s highs and setbacks, Ngcaba has witnessed how running in the city has evolved. “Running in the last few years has become a must-do. Races sell out within hours. It’s not just about elites anymore; brands like adidas create spaces where everyone can experience running. It elevates the whole city,” concluded Ngcaba.
That elevation is visible in clubs like VOB Running Club, where captain Elydia de Monk has spent over 15 years building structure, mentorship and belonging. Having run the marathon multiple times, she has seen its transformation firsthand.
“Years ago, it was just another marathon. Now it’s exhilarating, there’s so much excitement. You see international runners and familiar faces on the route and it’s grown into something incredibly special for our city,” says Elydia.
For De Monk, the most meaningful moments are not about time on the clock.
“My highlight is helping members run their first marathon, their first half and their first ultra. Crossing the finish line with them, that’s special. It’s about being part of someone’s first,” concluded De Monk.
In Khayelitsha, running represents both opportunity and representation. Siphiwo Melani, captain of Khayelitsha Athletics Club began running in 2016, looking for structure and found purpose.
“When you’re outside, you think running is just waking up and running. Then you discover the community behind it, the organisation and structure. It gave me purpose and a sense of belonging,” says Melani.
Wearing his club vest at the marathon for the first time remains one of his most powerful memories. “There was a young girl on the side of the road cheering. She didn’t know me, she just saw the Khayelitsha vest. That’s when I realised this is bigger than me. Khayelitsha is not a jungle. There are good things happening here. When thousands of people come to run here, it makes me proud. We are rewriting the story.”
What unites these communities is collaboration over competition. Where crews once passed each other without a greeting, they now train together, host joint sessions and show up in numbers for one another’s events. When the starting gun fires at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, these communities will line up together, every stride carrying the collective belief, energy and spirit driving the city closer to Abbott World Marathon Major status.
To watch the episode on running communities, visit YouTube.
