Cotlands, a registered non-profit organisation, is inviting all runners, walkers, families and corporate teams to put purpose behind every step as entries officially open for the Cotlands Run to Play Race powered by Old Parks Sports Club.
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The Race on 15 November
The race will take place on Sunday, 15 November 2026 at Old Parks Sports Club in Bordeaux, Randburg and forms part of Cotlands’ celebration of 90 years of kindness, care and impact in the lives of vulnerable children across South Africa.
Held just two days after World Kindness Day, this year’s event perfectly reflects the spirit of the occasion and the legacy that Cotlands has built over nine decades. Every entry into the Run to Play Race helps provide vulnerable children with access to quality early childhood care and education through the power of play.
More than a race, Run to Play is a movement that encourages South Africans to turn kindness into action. Whether participants choose the 2km fun run / walk, 5km or 10km race, every kilometre completed helps Cotlands create brighter futures for young children by expanding access to Cotlands play-based early learning programmes.
The event promises a memorable day for all ages, featuring the Cotlands Pop-up Toy Library, children’s entertainment, live music, delicious food and a vibrant finish-line celebration. Corporate teams are also encouraged to swap boardroom meetings for the starting line and take part in a team-building experience that creates a lasting social impact.
Dr Monica Stach
Dr Monica Stach, Chief Executive Officer of Cotlands, said the timing of this year’s race carries special significance, “As Cotlands celebrates 90 years of kindness and impact, we are reminded that small acts of compassion can create extraordinary change. Hosting Our Run to Play Race just after World Kindness Day is a powerful way to honour legacy while looking to the future. Every race entry is an act of generosity that helps give vulnerable children access to quality early childhood care and education through the power of play.
More than one million young children in South Africa are still missing out on an early learning programme, denying them the strong foundation they need to thrive. Through this race, we hope to raise awareness for this critical challenge and inspire individuals, families and businesses to become part of the solution. Every runner, walker and supporter is helping us build a kinder South Africa, one where every child has the opportunity to play, learn, grow and thrive.“
Race Rack Delivery Partner
This year’s event is proudly supported by MDS Collivery, the official Race Pack Delivery Partner, making it easier than ever for participants to receive their race packs before race day free of charge.
Ziphozonke Zuma, Marketing Manager at MDS Collivery, said: “At MDS Collivery, we believe that meaningful partnerships have the power to create lasting impact. As the largest same-day delivery service in South Africa, we are proud to partner with Cotlands for the race and support an event that reflects the values of kindness, community and opportunity. By delivering race packs directly to participants, we’re helping make the race experience as convenient as possible while supporting a cause that is transforming the lives of young children across South Africa.”
Distances
Participants can choose from three distances:
- 2km fun run/walk – R100
- 5km run – R180
- 10km run – R200
- Official race T-shirt (optional) – R120
Race day begins at 6:30am, with the 5km and 10km races starting at 7:30am and the 2km fun run/walk beginning at 08:00am. Participants are encouraged to arrive before 7:00am. Limited parking is available, and ridesharing is recommended.
Entries now open
As Cotlands marks 90 years of kindness, the organisation invites South Africans to celebrate this milestone by taking part in an event that turns kindness into action and helps give every child the best possible start in life.
Enter now: Click the link and ENTER today.
Group Entries and Corporate Participation
Corporate teams wishing to enter a group of walkers and/or runners can click on the link to
download the bulk entry form.
Please send the completed bulk entry form to marketing@cotlands.org .
Let’s celebrate kindness, embrace the power of play and help give every child the best possible start in life.
