By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Pictures: Supplied
Race to Gender Equality hosted by the Motsepe Foundation at the University of Pretoria Hillcrest Sports Campus in Tshwane, an event aimed at raising awareness about gender equality and promoting social change through sport. Photo Credit: Supplied.
With just over a week to go before the starting gun fires, South Africans are being called to lace up their running shoes and join a growing movement for equality at the 2026 Race to Gender Equality.
Hosted by the Motsepe Foundation, the annual event will take place on Sunday, 15 March 2026 at the University of Pretoria Hillcrest Sports Campus in Tshwane. The race marks a significant milestone for the foundation, celebrating ten years of advocacy through its Gender Equality, Wellness and Leadership (GEWAL) Centre.
Organised in partnership with the City of Tshwane and Athletics Gauteng North, the event has grown into a powerful platform that combines sport with social activism, encouraging South Africans to confront persistent gender inequalities in society.
Seen Here: Olympic champion Caster Semenya joins the Motsepe Foundation as an ambassador for the 2026 Race to Gender Equality, which will take place at the University of Pretoria Hillcrest Sports Campus in Tshwane on 15 March, raising awareness around gender equality and social justice. Photo Credit: Sourced
A Race With a Purpose
More than just a sporting event, the Race to Gender Equality is designed to raise awareness around the systemic challenges that continue to affect women and girls across the country and beyond.
The initiative highlights critical issues such as gender-based violence, unequal pay, disproportionate domestic labour, limited access to capital, underrepresentation in leadership, and barriers in science, technology and education.
Participants can choose between three race categories — a 21km half marathon, 10km run, or 5km fun run — allowing both seasoned athletes and casual runners to take part in the movement.
Over the years, the race has attracted more than 5,000 participants, including men, women and children, reinforcing the idea that advancing gender equality requires collective commitment from the entire society.
Influential Voices Join the Movement
This year’s race will also feature two influential ambassadors: Olympic champion Caster Semenya and social advocate Qhawekazi Mazaleni. Both will use their platforms to amplify conversations around societal biases and encourage participants to take meaningful action.
Their involvement reflects the growing recognition that public figures can play an important role in challenging stereotypes and reshaping perceptions about gender equality.
A Decade of Progress — and a Call for More
According to Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Co-Founder and CEO of the Motsepe Foundation, the event marks both a celebration and a reminder of the work that still lies ahead.
“While progress has been made over the past decade, much more work remains if we are to achieve genuine gender equality,” she said.
Moloi-Motsepe noted that sport has historically been a powerful catalyst for social change in South Africa. During the country’s struggle against apartheid, sporting platforms helped challenge racial inequality and reshape national identity.
Now, she believes that the same cultural momentum can be harnessed to address gender disparities.
“Sport is deeply embedded in our culture. For gender inequality, it provides the energy and visibility needed to spark meaningful and lasting change in the decade ahead,” she said.
Building a Future of Equality
By combining community participation, advocacy and awareness, the Race to Gender Equality has evolved into more than a single-day event. It has become a symbol of collective responsibility — a reminder that real transformation requires action from individuals, institutions and communities alike.
As the 2026 race approaches, organisers are encouraging South Africans from all walks of life to take part — not just as runners, but as advocates for fairness, dignity and opportunity for all.
Entries for the race remain open, offering participants the chance to contribute to a movement that seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable future.
In a country where sport continues to unite people across differences, the Race to Gender Equality stands as a powerful reminder that every step taken on the course is also a step toward justice and equality. 🏃♀️🏃♂️
