THE500 24hr Cycling & Spinning Challenge '25
Sat Oct 18, 10:00 - Sun Oct 19, 11:00
De Hoop Laerskool/Primary School
ABOUT
THE500 24hr Cycling & Spinning Challenge is back...and this year it's extra special!
Distance For Difference (D4D) is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, and we invite you to be part of this incredible milestone by joining us for the 7th edition of THE500 - our signature, bi-annual event that first launched in 2013. Since then, THE500 events in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023 have helped raised R3.6 million for various children's charities!
This year's event will take place at De Hoop Primary School in Somerset West, where cyclists, spinners, businesses, companies, schools and the broader community will come together for 24 hours of fun, fitness, and purpose - all united behind one goal: to raise R750,000 for various deserving children's charities. You can view some of our typical beneficiaries under the "Beneficiaries" tab.
And because we’re turning 20, this year's event is more than just a fundraiser - it’s a celebration of two decades of impact!
Watch the first video below for a glimpse into the unforgettable moments from past THE500 events.
The second video is our special 20th anniversary tribute - a celebration of the journey of Distance For Difference and everyone who has been part of our story.
Sign up as cyclists or spinners, as an individual or a team... encourage your school, organisation, company or business to enter!
Join us - and let’s make this our biggest year yet!
Together, we ride for purpose!
D4D FOUNDER'S MESSAGE
Dear participant
Welcome | It is my privilege to welcome you - or welcome you back - to the Distance For Difference (D4D) family. D4D's journey started on 26 December 2004 and since the very first THE500 event in 2013, it has grown into something truly special. Over the course of six THE500 events (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023) we've witnessed the incredible power of community: people and businesses coming together to give freely of their time, talents and energy to create something extraordinary. These moments have been inspiring, humbling and unforgettable.
New venue | We are excited to announce that the 2025 THE500 will be hosted at De Hoop Primary School in Somerset West - a place close to my heart, as I attended the school from 1981 to 1986!
Please know this | It's people like you who make all the difference! You are about to be part of something more than just an event. THE500 is not about individual prestige, medals or admiration. It’s about giving back - offering your time, your blessings or simply your presence in support of a greater cause. It’s about a collective effort that changes lives: vulnerable children in desperate need of love, guidance, education, protection or even just one nourishing meal a day.
Thank you for joining us! We truly appreciate you! (Stay connected and inspired - follow us on Facebook and Instagram).
Warm regards
Stéphan Pieterse
Chairman & Founder: Distance For Difference
REVIEWS
Reviews from the 2021 and 2023 THE500
Average star rating out of 5: 4.9 (28 reviews)
- 2023 - An amazing experience, excellent communication, good vibe, tasty food, special gift, attention to detail, extra care taken to make participants feel special, an overall well organised event, up there with the best. Well done! (5 stars - Heine)
- 2023 - As always an amazing experience not just an event (5 stars - Colin)
- 2023 - Awesome time, see you next year D4D maybe for the full 500. (5 stars - Balin)
- 2023 - Indeed a 5-star event! Brilliantly and well organised, vibey and fun. Staff were friendly, helpful, at their posts throughout the night. They kept the spirits high and the studio full of energy. A big shout out and thank you to the organisers and participating companies. Team Tour de Friends will see you again in 2 years' time at the next D4D. (5 stars - Monika )
- 2023 - Loved it! A very successful event as always. We'll done team (5 stars - Anonymous)
- 2023 - The best event (5 stars - Anonymous)
- 2023 - The event was amazingly organized, full of energy and truly such a joy to be part of. Thank you to everyone's efforts. We can't wait for the next one! (5 stars - Chantelise Slabbert)
- 2023 - Well organised event and so much fun!! I will attend every year! (5 stars - Rentia)
- 2023 - What a Blessing and amazing event with all emotions that goes with it. To all the riders and organizing team with support of the D4D community, well done. God Bless (5 stars - Paul)
- 2023 - What a memorable event yet again! This is much more than an event, it is an experience! Some of the friendliest people, always smiling, very helpful and constantly available throughout the 24 hours! The event was live-streamed and it was great to have the Zwifters from Cycle Nation joining the party! And that spinning class with Lucian during the second half of the Springbok semi-final was electric! Looking forward to the next one in 2025! Don't miss it! (5 stars - Anonymous)
- 2021 - Thank you for a lovely spin experience! Loved the energy and the cause ! So humbling . Thank you! (5 stars - Samantha)
- 2021 - What an experience! Words cannot express the gratitude, love and human spirit you experience at this event. You guys are amazing (5 stars - Colin Marais)
- 2021 - Amazing! Will definitely attend this event every year! Loved the hosts and everyone's spirit!! (5 stars - Elize)
- 2021 - Although I only participated in a spinning class, was great to be part of this incredible event. Thank you for the opportunity! (5 stars - Vanessa)
- 2021 - what an awesome event - great venue, awesome spin instructors, that coffee stand was a absolute killer! (5 stars - Tanya)
FAQS
Q: What exactly is THE500?
A: THE500 is a 24-hour charity endurance event that combines two challenges: a 500km cycling ride (10 × 50km laps) and a parallel 24-hour spinning marathon made up of 24 back-to-back 45-minute spinning sessions.
Q: When and where does the 2025 edition take place?
A: The ride runs from 10:00 on Saturday, 18 October to 10:00 on Sunday, 19 October 2025. The start/finish venue will be at De Hoop Primary School in Somerset West. Cyclists will do day loops for laps 1-4 (Somerset West - Stellenbosch - Kuilsrivier - Somerset West), night loops for laps 5-8 on Lourensford WIne Estate, and day loops again for laps 9-10.
Q: Which entry categories can I choose from?
A:
- SOLO 500km (individual) - R1,700
- Team of TWO 500km (new category for 2025 – share the distance) - R1,900 per team
- Individual Laps (cycle one or more 50km laps) - R250 per lap
- 24-hour SOLO Spinning Challenge (all 24 sessions) - R1,700
- TEAM Spinning Bike (book a bike for 24 hours and rotate spinners) - R5,000
- Single Spinning Sessions (book one or more 45-minute sessions) - R150 per session (this category will only open up later depending on availability)
Q: Is fundraising compulsory?
A: While not mandatory, every participant and team are encouraged to raise sponsorships to help us reach our event goal of R750,000 which will be used to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children in South Africa.
All SOLO cyclists, SOLO spinners and organisations are asked to aim for a minimum of R10,000 in fundraising. For spinning teams, this includes their upfront commitment - the entry fee of R5,000.
The most ever raised by an individual cyclist was R90,000 and some organisations have raised over R50,000 in the past. The highest total raised at a single THE500 event was R713,466 in 2021.
Q: What bike do I need?
A: Day laps: any well-maintained road or gravel bike.
Night laps: a mountain bike or gravel bike with good lights is strongly recommended.
Q: What support is on course and at the venue?
A: Cyclists return to the venue every 50km for a 10-15-minute refuel break. Basic mechanical, medical and nutritional support is provided. Spinners have access to water refill points and instructor-led motivation each hour.
Q: Can companies use THE500 as a team-building activity?
A: Yes! Book an entire spinning bike for 24 hours and rotate staff through the sessions—perfect for corporate wellness and CSI visibility.
Q: Is there a minimum age?
A: For safety reasons, spinners must be 13 years or older on event day and cyclists (minors 16-17) require a signed parent/guardian waiver.
Q: What if I can’t ride the full distance?
A: No problem—enter the Individual Lap category or a single spinning session. You’ll still share in the atmosphere and help raise funds for the kids through your entry.
Q: Are entries refundable or transferable?
A: Entries are not refundable. However, you may transfer your entry to another cyclist until 15 October 2025.
Q: Who benefits from the money raised?
A: Over 90% of funds go directly to South African child-focused charities such as Kingdom Kids, Little Angels, Heartlands Baby Sanctuary and others. See the "Beneficiary" tab on this site for examples and their websites/videos. A full list is published annually on d4dsa.co.za (https://d4dsa.co.za/our-beneficiaries/)
Q: Where can I follow updates?
A:
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/D4DSA
- Instagram: @distance4difference
- Website: https:/www.d4dsa.co.za
Q: Where can I get more info if needed?
A: Email [email protected] or call Tacia Roux on +27 82 415 5595
BENEFICIARIES
Below is a list of some of the beneficiaries that D4D already supports and will continue to support going forward:
1. Patch Helderberg (video) (website)
2. Esther van Zyl Foster Home (video)
3. Heartlands Baby Sanctuary (video) (website)
4. Tzadokah Foster Home (video)
5. Sylvia's House Foster Home (video)
6. Little Angels Home (video) (website)
7. Gabriella Centre (video) (website)
8. Kingdom Kids School (video)
9. Kin Culture (video) (website)
10. Joya Home (website)
For more information about our beneficiaries, please contact:
Tacia Roux
E-mail: [email protected]
Cellphone: 0824155595
GALLERY
DO YOU NEED MORE INFO?
Do you need more information?
For details about entry options, donations or sponsorship opportunities, or if you have any questions which we did not address in the FAQ section, please contact Tacia Roux at [email protected] or 0824155595.
A overview of the 2017 THE500