The GRATITUDE Run 2025

As we prepare to celebrate Heritage Day - a day when South Africans come together around braais, family and shared traditions - we are also reminded of the values that truly unite us: gratitude, compassion and community.

This year, Heritage Day holds even deeper meaning for us at Distance For Difference (D4D), as we celebrate an incredible milestone: 20 years of making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. It’s a journey that has only been possible because of people like you - people who care enough to show up, move with purpose and give generously.

The Gratitude Run 2025 is more than just a race. It’s a moment to pause and say thank you - for health, for the ability to walk, run and live with purpose. It’s a chance to reflect on the legacy we’re building, together!

So this Braai Day, before the coals are lit and the fireside stories begin, I invite you to join us at Dornier Wines - to celebrate life, give back and help us carry the torch of hope into the next 20 years.

With gratitude,

Stéphan Pieterse

D4D Chairman and Founder

Reviews of the 2024 event at Dornier Wines

Average star rating out of 5: 4.9 (51 reviews)

1. A really fun morning on a stunning farm. Well marked, well organized. Absolutely loved it. ( 5 stars - Debbie)
2. Absolutely a stunning event. Well organised too! Will definitely be back next year! ( 5 stars - Anonymous)
3. Best R200 spent! The trails were marked well, enough toilets, loved all the quotes along the route. Thank you! ( 5 stars - Anonymous)
4. Best route marking ever!!!!! Loved it, thank you. ( 5 stars - Anonymous)
5. Brilliant venue, fantastic organising. Welgedaan Stéphan en Yolanda, weereens! ( 5 stars - Freddy)
6. Did my first Gratitude Run this year and it is a truly amazing and well-organized event. The route was amazing and the cause even more rewarding. I wish Distance 4 Difference all the best in their endeavors for health equity! Thank you ( 5 stars - Leo)
7. Excellent event. Very well organized. Friendly field marshalls, well marked route, ample parking. Such an overall nice vibe. ( 5 stars - Liza)
8. Fantastic event! Very well organised and the most beautiful 10km trail run I've ever done. Friendly marshalls along the route, nicely marked and great vibe. I can't wait for the next one! ( 5 stars - Annemarie Gillmer )
9. It was a brilliant event! Well done Stephan and the organisers. Best 10k trail! ( 5 stars - Herman)
10. It was a well arranged event! ( 5 stars - Michelle)
11. It was absolutely fantastic! Everything was well-organized, the facilities were top-notch, and the vibe was incredible. The people along the route were amazing, and the scenery was beyond breathtaking. I will definitely be back for the next one - it was just so stunning! ( 5 stars - Anonymous)
12. Just an absolutely beautiful race. Stunning views , great organisation . A great cause to support. Well organized race from entry to finish. Well done distance4difference. ( 5 stars - Helena Visser)
13. Loved it, my 7year old and his friend loved it too. Thanks for the great run, can't wait for the next one. ( 5 stars - Lauren Williams)
14. My first ever trail run and race - I'm hooked. It was beautiful, well marked, the merch was great and the vibe, just awesome! ( 5 stars - Colette)
15. Not showing off at all, but I have been running for over 50 years and have organised many big events but this event TOPS MY LIST of the finest, slickest, friendly event I have ever entered. ( 5 stars - Anonymous)
16. Stunning venue, amazing views and so well organized. Well done! ( 5 stars - Liezl)
17. Thank you for an amazing experience. So extremely well organized. Friendly, happy people. Vendors were awesome. The yummiest coffee ever ( went back for more) beautiful environment. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart ( 5 stars - Ronelle Duncan )
18. The event was fantastic, well organised, beautiful venue. ( 5 stars - Johanna-Mari Kriek )
19. The most beautiful trail route, thank you ( 5 stars - Sharon )
20. The race was fabulous. I felt like I was back in the Tsitsikamma forest. The venue was beautiful, and well done for the excellent signage and motivational messages en route.Congratulations to all the organisers. I will definitely be back next year. ( 5 stars - Sue )
21. The views where amazing, I loved the little encouraging notes on the way. ( 5 stars - Anonymous)
22. This was such a stunning event. It was so well put together & managed with a great deal of thought behind everything. Thank you for putting together an incredible event & for bringing runners together for an important cause. Greatful for the Gratitude run & Distance 4 Difference! ( 5 stars - Jodie)
23. Was a beautiful route and was well marked. My sons and I had fun.. ( 5 stars - Sandra)
24. Well organised, routes clearly marked and not too much overlap between the different distances. Dornier is a beautiful trail run venue. ( 5 stars - Anonymous)
25. Well organized. Very social. Routes clearly marked ( 5 stars - Reinette )
26. Well organized. Will do it again. ( 5 stars - André)
27. Well orginised. Thank you for all the work and the positive spirit it was presented. ( 5 stars - Emile)
28. What a fantastic event!The trail was awesome! Well organized and such a great venue! Well done! ( 5 stars - Chantell )
29. What a stunning experience!! From parking, registration, MC, the stunning route, the gorgeous t shirt, the vibe. Really the best. Thank you!!! ( 5 stars - Anonymous)
30. Wow, beautiful setting, amazing trail route through beautiful hills and woodlands, special experience meeting new friends along the way and the vibe at the start and end of the run! Well done and thank you so much to your team! ( 5 stars - Leonie)
31. You guys know how to do events! Well done from the PATCH team! :) ( 5 stars - Anonymous)

Q: What is The GRATITUDE Run all about?

A: A family-friendly morning of running or walking at Dornier Wines, Stellenbosch, to celebrate good health and raise funds for several children’s charities through D4D. Every rand left after direct costs goes straight to the beneficiaries.

Q: When and where is it?

A: Heritage Day, Wednesday 24 September 2025.

Venue: Dornier Wines, Blaauwklippen Road, Stellenbosch

Q: Where and when will registration and number pick-up happen?

A: To be confirmed, but normally this will take place a few days before the event at Sportsmans Warehouse in Somerset West and Stellenbosch. Details will be communicated to all ticket holders a few weeks before the event. Registration can also be done at Dornier Wines from 06h00 on the morning of the event.

Q: Which distances or formats can I enter?

A:

1. 5 km Fun Run/Walk (all ages)
2. 10 km Trail Run (14 yrs+)
3. 20 km Trail Run (14 yrs+) – Two loops of the 10 km route to celebrate D4D’s 20^th anniversary.

Q: What are the entry fees?

A:

1. 5 km: R130 (12 yrs+) / R70 (U12)
2. 10 km Trail: R210
3. 20 km Trail: R250

Q: Can I enter on the day?

A: Yes, if the event is not sold out. On-the-day entries cost an extra R20 and close 30 minutes before each start time. Cash, SnapScan and card payments are accepted.

Q: Are there age limits?

A:

1. 5 km Fun Run/Walk: Open to all ages (U12 must run with an adult).
2. 10 km & 20 km Trail: minimum age of 14 on race day.

Q: What time do the races start?

A:

1. 20 km Trail: 07:00
2. 10 km Trail: 07:30
3. 5 km Fun Run/Walk: 08:00

Q: Is fundraising compulsory?

A: No, but we encourage every participant to ask friends and colleagues to sponsor their effort. We’ll email you a link to a user-friendly GivenGain page once you register.

Q: What about water, medals and prizes?

A: Two water tables will be available on the 10 km Trail Route (the 20 km route includes both). Special 60mm Bronze GRATITUDE Run Medals for the Top 10 men and women in the 10 km and 20 km Trail Runs. Top 5 men and women in the 5 km Fun Run receive the same special medal. All other finishers receive smaller medals. Special prizes for the top 3 finishers in each race. Plenty of lucky draw prizes (all entries eligible).

Q: Can I run with a pram or my dog?

A: Prams are welcome only on the 5 km route. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed at Dornier Wines.

Q: Are entries refundable or transferable?

A: Entries are not refundable. You may transfer your entry to another runner until 14 September 2025.

Q: What should I bring?

A: Trail shoes (for 10 km and 20 km), a reusable water bottle or cup, sunblock, and plenty of good vibes and lekker spirit. There will be a variety of food and coffee stalls.

Q: Who benefits from the money raised?

A: Over 90% of funds reach South African child-focused charities such as Kingdom Kids, Little Angels, Heartlands Baby Sanctuary and others. See the "Beneficiary" tab on this site for a few examples and their websites/videos. A full beneficiary list is published each year at d4dsa.co.za (https://d4dsa.co.za/our-beneficiaries/).

Q: Where can I follow updates?

A:

1. Facebook: facebook.com/D4DSA
2. Instagram: @distance4difference
3. 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.

All funds raised (after direct costs) will be distributed to support some of D4D's beneficiaries.

We support a few beneficiaries on a monthly basis and regularly receive requests from new organisations.

Here are some of the beneficiaries we have supported in the past or are currently supporting:

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 (video)

6. Little Angels (website) (video)

7. Gabriella Centre (website) (video)

8. Kingdom Kids (video)

9. Kin Culture (video) (website)

10. Joya Home (website)

For more information regarding our beneficiaries, please e-mail Tacia Roux at [email protected] or contact her at 0824155595.

Do you need more info? 

For more information regarding entry options, donations or sponsorships, please e-mail Tacia Roux at [email protected] or contact her on 0824155595.

Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/D4DSA) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/distance4difference) for regular updates on the event.

An overview of the 2022 event: