More than 50 runners from all over Cape Town will take part in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon later this month to raise funds for a charity that gives school shoes to needy children.

Hakuna Matata and Friends was founded by school teacher Irafan Abrahams, of Bayview, two years ago. They targeted major running events and got runners to help raise money for the school shoes.

“The idea was to bring people on board with the initiative and they would start their own campaigns through us to raise the necessary funds, and so far, the response has been terrific, and we have been able to help so many people, children especially,” Mr Abrahams said.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has reached a record-breaking 21 000 participants for the sold-out 2024 event taking place on Saturday October 19 and Sunday October 20.

Mr Abrahams said they were aiming for the 50 runners supporting the charity in this year’s marathon on the Sunday to each raise enough money for 43 pairs of school shoes.

Each runner has started their own campaign, roping in support through donations to cover the cost of the school shoes.

“I must say, everybody has accepted the challenge, and we are determined to help as many kids as possible,” said Mr Abrahams.

Hakuna Matata and Friends handed out some new school shoes and some other goodies at the Bergsig Primary School.

Earlier this year, Hakuna Matata and Friends handed out more than 400 pairs of school shoes at the Carl Schreve Primary School in the community of Wittewater, near Piketberg, and, on Tuesday October 2, they visited Bergsig Primary School in Bonteheuwel, where they handed out their 4000th pair of school shoes to children in need.

One of the runners, Niyaz Brown, from Mitchell’s Plain, plans to raise enough money for 50 pairs of shoes.

“It’s fantastic to know you are doing your part and helping out a child with a pair of shoes. Who knows what paths these kids are going to walk in these shoes."

Barry van Blerk, the marathon's race director, said they were expecting an "extraordinary level of competition" for this year's event.

• To join the Hakuna Matata and Friends team for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, call Irafaan Abrahams at 084 283 9977 or visit the charity’s Facebook page.

Over 400 pairs of shoes were handed out at a school in the community of Wittewater.

#cape-town-sports-council

Marathon effort to give school shoes to needy kids