The GRATITUDE Run 2026
Thu Sep 24, 07:00 - Thu Sep 24, 12:00
Dornier Wines
ABOUT
Celebrate Heritage Day (and Braai Day) with Purpose!
This Heritage Day — Thursday, 24 September 2026— South Africans will be firing up the braais to celebrate their heritage, and we’re inviting you to kick off the celebrations with a heart-pumping run or walk for a great cause...The GRATITUDE Run 2026! Join Distance For Difference (D4D) at the breathtaking Dornier Wines for a very special edition of The GRATITUDE Run, as we not only honour our heritage but also mark D4D’s 21st year of making a difference!
Whether you're a serious runner or a casual walker, this event is all about gratitude, giving back and good vibes. All proceeds (after direct expenses) will go directly to D4D’s mission of supporting children’s charities such as Tzadokah Foster Home, Sylvia’s House, Kingdom Kids, Esther van Zyl Foster Care, Joya Homes and many more.
So lace up your running shoes, bring your braai spirit - and let’s make The GRATITUDE Run 2026 one to remember!
You can choose one of four ways to participate:
1. 5km FUN RUN / WALK
Young and old are invited to join in the fun! You can either choose to run or walk the 5km and set your own pace!
Online Entry Fee: R135 (Adults - 12 years & older), R75 (Children under 12 years)
Late On The Day Entry Fee: R150 (Adults - 12 years & older), R90 (Children under 12 years)
Starting Time: 08h00
2. 10km TRAIL RUN
This one is for all trail running enthusiasts. Come and experience the beautiful route and trails on Dornier Wines. It promises to be an interesting mix! No children under the age of 14, will be allowed to participate in this Trail Run.
Online Entry Fee: R220
Late Entry Fee: R240
Starting Time: 07h30
3. 20km TRAIL RUN
This one is for all trail running enthusiasts who want to go the extra mile, literally! Come and experience the beautiful 10km trail route at Dornier Wines - twice! You will be doing two loops of the 10km trail, giving you two chances to take in all the beauty around you. Please note: no children under the age of 14 will be allowed to participate in this Trail Run.
Online Entry Fee: R260
Late Entry Fee: R280
Starting Time: 07h00
4. 3 x 4 x 5 | TEAM RELAY RUN
The GRATITUDE Run welcomes back a classic and favourite category! Runners enter as a team (3, 4 or preferably 5 members per team). Team members will run laps of 3km each. The challenge for teams will be to complete as many 3km laps as possible in the allotted time period, i.e., 4 hours (07h45 - 11h45). Nominate a team captain, decide on a cool name & theme for your team and bring along heaps of team spirit!
There are 3 categories to choose from:
MEN Only Team
WOMEN Only Team
MIXED Team (At least 1 woman in a 3-member team and 2 women in a 4- or 5-member team).
Teams are encourage to involve non-runners, family, friends and/or companies, by having them sponsor your team. This way we can ALL show GRATITUDE and reach our fundraising target of R200,000 to change the lives of children.
It is all about team work and supporting your team mates, while they are soaking in the exquisite surrounds of the beautiful Dornier Wines. There will be live music, prizes, lucky draws, enthusiastic athletes and sponsors supporting a worthy cause!
Online Entry fee: R850 per team
Starting Time: 07h45
Race Number Collections: You can pick up your race number at times and venues that will be confirmed and communicated closer to the event (only if you have bought your ticket online (via Quicket) BEFORE THURSDAY 17 September @ 18h00). After that all entrants must pick up there numbers on the morning of the event from 06h00 at the registration tables. Be there 40 mins before the start of your race.
T-shirts: Our beautiful blue moisture management GRATITUDE Run T-shirts will be for sale at the number pick-up points and at the D4D Merchandise Table on the morning of the event.
It is not joy that makes us GRATEFUL, it is GRATITUDE that makes us JOYFUL!
Please note that PARKING on the farm is limited. To ensure a smoother experience for everyone, we encourage carpooling or using services like Uber, to help reduce the number of vehicles on site. Thank you for your cooperation in this regard!
For more information follow us on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/D4DSA , Instagram @ distance4difference , visit our website @ www.d4dsa.co.za or email Caro Pieterse at [email protected].
Watch this short video of last year's event at Dornier Wines:
We hope to welcome you to The Gratitude Run community soon!
MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRMAN
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, Distance For Difference (D4D), celebrates an incredible milestone: 21 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 2026 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 21 years.
With gratitude,
Stéphan Pieterse
D4D Chairman and Founder
REVIEWS
Reviews of the 2025 event at Dornier Wines
Average star rating out of 5: 5 (70 reviews)
5 stars - Amazing event thank you (Michael )
5 stars - (Dane)
5 stars - Very well organized, beautiful venue, all perfect. (MsR)
5 stars - My favourite run on the calendar! Well done for once again organising a fantastic event. Everything was so well planned and as always the vibe was great. Awesome job, D4D Team! See you at the next one. (Annemarie Gillmer )
5 stars - (Anonymous)
4 stars - (Joline)
5 stars - My first trail run and I had an absolute blast. Everything was perfect and the teams at the water stations were truly incredible and cheerful. What a stunning venue! Will be back next year, Lord willing. (Nikki)
5 stars - Loved it. Always did it, but first time with my sister and I'm sure she'll be coming again.(Aimee)
5 stars - Very well organised with all amenities required by runners. Easy secure parking and plenty of toilet facilities. Very enjoyable route and great vibes (Leane)
5 stars - Second time doing this race. What an amazing event, well organized, beautiful views, awesome people and lots fun lucky draw prizes to be won! Will do it again! (Leo)
5 stars - My kids (4 and 6) love it. Beautiful venue. Well organised and enjoyable day out for a good cause (Jayne)
5 stars - (Marietjie de Vries )
5 stars - Always a fun race! Nice venue, well organized too! (Sandra)
5 stars - What a fun event! Well organized, trail was well marked, loved the quirky quotes along the way. Wonderful way to spend a morning out and even more wonderful that a good cause is supported through the event. (Glenda)
5 stars - (Nezerith Cengiz)
5 stars - Very professional, great vendors, very well sign posted, amazing happy participants congratulations to the organizers!!! (Frances )
5 stars - (Liz)
5 stars - Beautiful run! Great signage and a wonderful vibe. (Anonymous)
5 stars - (Johan)
5 stars - Beautiful route. The road was a bit slippery in the woods, so I would recommend trail running shoes. Fun experience and a lovely vibe! (Anonymous)
5 stars - Well organised and the route walk was great fun!! (Anonymous)
5 stars - This is event was well organized and great fun to do. (Faahizah)
4 stars - Well organised, fabulous views and great trails (Deziré)
5 stars - Well organized from prior communication to the race day. Thank you very much, we enjoyed our morning. The route was amazing. We will definitely enter again. (Yolisa)
5 stars - Great event! Well organised and wonderful vibe to keep everyone going. Can't wait for next year. (Marlene)
5 stars - It was my first run/walk that I entered in my mature age. My sister persuaded me to enter, she ran in the 10km but also entered in other half marathons etc. Everyone was so pleasant and friendly, well done to all. I got pushed by one of the other runners in green color while he went past me, I got hurt but I am fine (janine)
5 stars - Amazing set up and organizing. The trail at wine farm is great (Siyabonga)
5 stars - (Anonymous)
5 stars - Well organised.(Anonymous)
5 stars - Awesome!! We will definitely do this again! (Liesl Van Jaarsveld )
5 stars - Very Well organised.10/10. Thank you. Perfect day. Fantastic well marked route. Enough water on the way. (Monica )
5 stars - Overall it was a delight to take part in the race. It was very well organised and the attention to detail, the creativity of the little sign boards with quotes was a nice touch and makes the race memorable.... if the same organisers ever do another race, I will take part again and definitely recommend it. I loved it. (Louise)
5 stars - TOTALLY STUNNING - I have organised many races - including the invention of the Winelands Marathon - I started HELDERBERG HARRIERS (in the olden days 1977 :-) I have done Hundreds of Trail Runs -340 Parkruns, 16 2 Oceans, 15 Comrades & 245 Marathons - NOT SHOWING OFF but at 85 years of age - I totally appreciate the effort, style put into this race. SIMPLY THE BEST !!!!!!! (Robbie)
5 stars - (Anonymous)
5 stars - Phenomenal experience!! (Haley Meaker)
5 stars - Always an uplifting experience to run for good deeds.Thank you for the amazing arrangement and hardwork into this, D4D crew. (Feng-ying)
5 stars - (Anonymous)
5 stars - Brilliant event! Nice vibe! Great food! The 5km route was very beautiful. (Simoné)
5 stars - Great run. Extremely well organized. Fantastic lucky draw prizes. (Colin)
5 stars - It was a lovely event, very well organised. I will definitely do it again. (Anonymous)
5 stars - Best views ever! (Emma)
5 stars - Awesome event to support the D4D foundation. Well organised and great family event. (Cobus)
5 stars - The most beautiful trail and a very well organized event. Thank you (Anonymous)
5 stars - A brilliant event - will definitely be back next year! A fabulous team - everyone was friendly, encouraging and the water tables were an absolute blast! So much gratitude for all the organisers, crew and everyone involved in making this happen. (Beth)
5 stars - (Ivonne)
5 stars - (Anonymous)
5 stars - What a well organized and super fun event - great distance options that made it accessible for everyone, every pace had a place! (Jaco )
4 stars - Well organised event. Great morning out on the trails. Good weather for it and views to die for. (Rob)
5 stars - (Anonymous)
5 stars - Tough but a great venue and good vibrations. (Ivan)
5 stars - Very well organized and beautiful route (Anonymous)
5 stars - It was a great event! Thanks a lot! (Frank)
5 stars - It was well organised and great fun! (Felicity)
5 stars - it was well organized and well marshalled. There was no chance of getting lost. Overall, an amazing experience. I have been running for years, and this was one of my best runs ever! (Chrissie)
5 stars - One of the best fun-runs I have attended in a while! Exceptionally planned, beautiful farm with adequate vendors. Will keep an eye out for the next event! (Lelanie)
5 stars - Fantastic trail run! Well organised, fabulous venue and always a privilege to be able to support Distance for Difference. Thank you! (Andrew)
5 stars - Event Brilliantly organized - awesome trail (Louis)
5 stars - This was my first gratitude run/walk and it was beautiful and the general atmosphere of all ages and "stages" was lovely. Will definitely be making this an annual event with the folks. (Dee)
5 stars - Wonderful, well organized event. Great venue. (Anonymous)
5 stars - Fantasties event,well organized! Lovely venue. (Anonymous)
5 stars - Well organised.Enjoyed it.What a fun day.Please do more events. (Bertus)
5 stars - The best event of the year! Venue is fantastic and Heritage Day is a perfect fit. I would suggest that Thank You's are done before the lucky draw :) (Freddy)
5 stars - The event was well organized and run! It was amazing, thank you so much. (Rene)
5 stars - This was truly a well-organized event. The route markers were well placed. It would have been beneficial if the Markers and Nice Encouragement was written on an A4 size board (William Swartbooi)
5 stars - The event was run really smoothly and was a pleasure from start to finish. What a great way to spend a day- and what an incredible trail run route! Beautiful!(Marguerite)
5 stars - (Anonymous)
5 stars - (Colette)
5 stars - (Gerda)
5 stars - GREAT EVENT! BEAUTIFUL ROUTE! LOVED IT! WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR!! (John - Patch Helderberg)
5 stars - Me and my Son had a blast of a time. Awesome event. Greetings from Port Elizabeth (Anonymous)
FAQS
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, Thursday 24 September 2026.
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:
- 5km Fun Run/Walk (all ages)
- 10km Trail Run (14 yrs+)
- 20km Trail Run (14 yrs+) – Two loops of the 10km route
- 3 x 4 x 5 Team Relay - 3km relay loop, 4 hours, maximum 5 team members - how many laps can your team complete?
Q: What are the entry fees?
A:
- 5km: R135 (12 yrs+) / R75 (U12)
- 10km Trail: R220
- 20km Trail: R260
- Team Relay: R850
Q: Can I enter on the day?
A: Yes, if the event is not sold out. On-the-day entries cost an extra R15-R20 and close 30 minutes before each start time. Cash, SnapScan and card payments are accepted. Not applicable for Team Relay entries.
Q: Are there age limits?
A:
- 5km Fun Run/Walk: Open to all ages (U12 must run with an adult).
- 10km & 20km Trail: minimum age of 14 on race day.
Q: What time do the races start?
A:
- 20km Trail: 07:00
- 10km Trail: 07:30
- Team Relay: 07:45
- 5km Fun Run/Walk: 08:00
Q: Is fundraising compulsory?
A: No, but we encourage every participant, especially the relay teams to ask friends and colleagues to sponsor their effort. The teams will also be given the option to have a personalised GivenGain page with e team specific fundraising goal.
Q: What about water, medals and prizes?
A: Two water tables will be available on the 10km Trail Route (the 20km route includes both), stocked by AquaSky. Special 60mm Bronze GRATITUDE Run Medals for the Top 10 men and women in the 10km and 20km Trail Runs, the Top 5 men and women in the 5km Fun Run, as well as the team members of the winning team in the three relay event categories. 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: Will there be T-shirts available?
A: Our beautiful blue Moisture Management GRATITUDE Run shirts (short and long sleeve) will be available for purchase at the number collection pick-up points as well as at the D4D Merchandise Table on the morning of the event from 06h00. Have a look at the look at the designs in the image gallery.
Q: Can I run with a pram or my dog?
A: Prams are welcome only on the 5km 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 2026.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Trail shoes for 10km and 20km are preferred but can be done with normal road running shoes as well; 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 80% of the funds raised reach South African child-focused charities such as Kingdom Kids, Little Angels, Heartlands Baby Sanctuary and others. D4D aims to keep their operational costs to below 20% which is unheard of for non-profit organisations. See the "Beneficiary" tab on this site for a few examples and their websites/videos. A full beneficiary list is published at d4dsa.co.za (https://d4dsa.co.za/our-beneficiaries/).
Q: Where can I follow updates?
A:
- Facebook: facebook.com/D4DSA
- Instagram: @distance4difference
- Website: https:/www.d4dsa.co.za
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distance-for-difference/
Q: Where can I get more info if needed?
A: Email [email protected] or call Caro Pieterse on 079 875 1886.
BENEFICIARIES
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 Homes (website)
11. Tesswin Douries (video)
For more information regarding our beneficiaries, please e-mail Caro Pieterse at [email protected] or contact her at 079 875 1886.
GALLERY
MORE INFO
Do you need more info?
For more information regarding entry options, donations or sponsorships, please e-mail Caro Pieterse at [email protected] or contact her on 0798751886.
Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/D4DSA) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/distance4difference) for regular updates on the event.
An overview of the 2025 event held at Dornier Wines:
An overview of the 2024 event held at Dornier Wines: