Durbanites change lives at the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN

Seen here:  Runners having a blast on route at the 2018 FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN.  Photo Credit:  Anthony Grote

Runners (and walkers) taking part in the 3rd annual FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN on Sunday 13 October 2019 can make a change by supporting one or all five of the event’s charities:  The Reach For A Dream Foundation (RFAD), TREE, Durban & Coast SPCA, LIV Village and iThemba Lethu.

“We are excited to celebrate the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN’s 3rd anniversary in 2019,”says Michael Meyer, Managing Director Stillwater Sports.  “An action packed mass participation road run that highlights the splendour of its host city, the event also backs Durban’s leading performing arts groups.  We are also proud to support five local charities:  The Reach For A Dream Foundation, TREE, Durban & Coast SPCA, LIV Village and iThemba Lethu.  Runners and walkers can support one or all five charities when they enter the 2019 event online.  We look forward to welcoming all entrants to the start line in October.  Are you ready to #RunYourCityYourWay?”

Established in 1988, RFAD looks to inspire hope and help children to believe in the power of dreams. 

We have been part of the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN since it began in 2017,” says Kerry Donkin, KZN Manager RFAD.  “The FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN highlights just how wonderful the city of Durban is.  In 2018 we received a generous donation from the event, which allowed us to fulfil dreams for children suffering with life threatening illnesses.  We would love to see that grow as the event grows. We would love the participants to know the value in their donation, and how their donation has impacted and changed lives.”  For more information or to support RFAD email [email protected] 

Founded in 1984, TREE (Training and Resources in Early Education) is a non-profit organisation that specialises in Early Childhood Development, Resource and Training. 

“As a charity of the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN we are granted the opportunity to network, advocate and educate the community about the importance of early childhood development (ECD),” says Ruby Motaung, Director TREE.  “The event highlights Durban in one of the most captivating ways, bringing out the best of Durban’s heritage, history and wonder.  Not only does TREE benefit by exposure, marketing and networking, but we are also granted a platform to market our handmade toys and educational resources which are building tools not only for those in an ECD environment but also for parents.  We are always grateful for the donations received from the runners.”  For more information or to support TREE email [email protected] 

The Durban & Coast SPCA rescues abused and neglected domestic, farm and wild animals, while promoting responsible pet ownership, providing a shelter for strays, and a veterinary service for pets of underprivileged people.   

“We are excited to be an official charity for the third year running.  This is such a great event to be a part of, it really puts the ‘fun’ into fundraising!” says Tanya Fleischer, Marketing Manager Durban & Coast SPCA.  “The partnership enables us to raise much needed funds for the animals in our care and funds to fight the continual plight of animal cruelty that we face on a daily basis. We also use this opportunity to create awareness and promote animal adoptions.  In 2018 it was lovely to see that people (runners) have a heart for animals.  This year our very own runners of Team SPCA will be raising funds and awareness for us, we will be at race pack collection with an exciting concept and we will be at the finish line on event day cheering runners on.”  For more information or to support Durban & Coast SPCA email [email protected]

Based in the community of Cottonlands, just outside of Verulam in Durban (KZN), LIV Village was founded in 2011 with the first children and mothers moving into their houses in August 2012.

“We love to include our communities in the work that we do at LIV.  The awareness that this event creates for LIV, is much appreciated,” says Carita McCririe, LIV Leadership and Marketing Manager.  “Being active is such a big part of the Durban community and such a fun way to show people our city. We love it.  We are grateful for any monetary donations made to LIV.  We want runners to know that, by choosing LIV as their charity they do so much more than just donate a few rand to an organisation – they are raising the future leaders of South Africa and therefore impacting our nation.”  To find out more about LIV Village please email [email protected] or visit www.liv-village.com

Since 2001, iThemba Lethu has been a temporary place of safety for many abandoned and vulnerable children, providing a safe place of transition as we work to reintegrate them back into their families or find them new forever families through the process of adoption. The HIV prevention programme works to equip the youth and leaders of tomorrow with life skills, leadership skills and education to help them make wise, hope-filled decisions for their lives.

“We love Durban and we believe that restoring hope and destiny in the lives of vulnerable children creates an opportunity for the city to thrive and grow,” says Melissa Leslie, Co-ordinator iThemba Lethu.  “We are grateful to be in partnership with FNB for this event as we celebrate the potential and beauty of our city and the people in it. Together we can change the lives of vulnerable children and build resilient family units and safe communities for them to grow up in. If our children have hope anything is possible.  Come partner with us!”  For more information on iThemba Lethu please email [email protected] or visit www.ithembalethu.org.za

EVENT INFORMATION:  FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN  

The FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN is the last of three mass participation road running events that make up the FNB Run Your City Series.  The 2019 series kicked off in Cape Town in May with the 5th annual FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN. Joburg will host the 4th annual FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN on Sunday, 24 September 2019 (National Heritage Day), after which Durban will have its turn to shine. 

Date: Sunday, 13 October 2019
Start Time: 07:00
Start Venue: Blue Lagoon (Athlone Drive)
Finish Venue: Beachfront Precinct (near The Bike and Bean)
Entry Fee: Standard Entry:  R185 (licensed) / R215 (unlicensed)

Gold Package Entry:  R850 (licensed) / R880 (unlicensed)

Entries Close: Monday, 30 September 2019

CHARITY SUPPORTWhen entering online runners (and walkers) can support one of five Durban based charities:  1. The Reach For A Dream Foundation, 2. TREE, 3. Durban & Coast SPCA, 4. LIV Village and/or 5. iThemba Lethu.

Facebook:  Durban10k

Twitter:  @Durban10k

Instagram:  @Durban10k 

Official hashtag:  #FNBRunYourCity

Website:  www.durban10k.com

About the FNB Run Your City Series:

FNB is proud to once again bring you the FNB Run Your City Series which comprises of three unique mass participation events that integrate business involvement, family, diversity, investment in community, world class achievement and fun for all participants, both individuals and businesses alike.

Each of the races are developed to take participants through the historical routes around each city, thereby adding a tourism element to each race, making it more than a race but an economic opportunity for each community.

The FNB Run Your City Series is made up of three races around South Africa, namely, the FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN, the FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN and the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN.

For further information please visit www.runyourcityseries.com