CAPE2CARE LADIES OUT TO SET WORLD RECORD!

A group of twelve determined women is gearing up for an unprecedented endurance challenge as they prepare to attempt a 2141kms relay run from Musina’s Beitbridge to Cape Agulhas, an initiative believed to be the first of its kind globally.

The race, known as Cape2Care, is scheduled to begin in the early hours of 25 February, with the team expected to arrive in Cape Agulhas on 8 March, completing the journey in just 11 days.

Beyond the physical feat, Cape2Care carries a powerful humanitarian mission of  raising funds to support vulnerable children across South Africa through the “Dynamic Women for Children” programme, a structure that has been building safety nets for at-risk children for the past 18 years.

On Saturday, 17 January 2026, Net Nine Nine joined the team in their trial run, as the team conducted an official Cape2Care test run in Kameelfontein, Pretoria, near KwaMhlanga.

According to team member Michelle van Biljon, the session was designed to test logistics, security, medical support, and relay transitions, which are critical components of a road run that will continue uninterrupted, day and night.

“We were testing the logistics and the transitions. Because we’re running in a relay format, we’re divided into two teams of six- the Sunrise Team and the Sunset Team,” Michelle explained to Net99.

The Sunrise Team will run from midnight to midday, while the Sunset Team takes over from midday to midnight.

Each runner covers two kilometres in under 12 minutes before handing over to the next teammate, ensuring a continuous forward motion throughout the 11-day journey – the same way as during their test run where traffic was affected a bit but they managed to control it without any hiccups.

When one team is on the road, the other travels ahead to the next handover town to rest, eat properly, and prepare for the next shift, an approach carefully designed to preserve both physical strength and mental focus.

Michelle emphasised that fuelling is one of the most complex aspects of the challenge.

“You don’t just drink water. Fuelling is very important. Every lady’s body reacts differently, so each runner is responsible for her own snacking and energy management,” she explained

While the Sunrise Team receives a proper lunch and the Sunset Team a proper breakfast, runners fuel continuously according to their individual needs, a strategy refined through multiple test runs, including two 24-hour simulations, a 48-hour run from Musina to Pretoria, and on Saturday was the final Kameelfontein trial.

“The feedback from the ladies has been very positive. After all the test runs, we feel ready. The transitions worked well, the running times were good. Now it’s just final logistics,” she said.

“Our big vision is to draw a line of hope and inspiration from Beitbridge all the way to Cape Agulhas. It’s about showing what’s possible when women come together for children.”

Funds raised through Cape2Care will be used to expand the Dynamic Women for Children model, currently operating in Pretoria and Kameelfontein, to communities across South Africa, particularly where systems and adults have failed to protect children.

The ambitious project is made possible through major sponsorship from Net Nine Nine, whose support has been instrumental in turning the vision into reality.

“Our partnership with Net Nine Nine made this project feasible. They are helping us roll out this journey, and we are beyond grateful,” appreciated Michelle.

The partnership, she added, was born from shared values: “They spoke about bringing light through fibre and internet across South Africa. It aligned perfectly with our vision of bringing light and hope to children.”

According to the team’s research, no such relay run has ever been completed before, meaning Cape2Care will not be breaking a record, but setting one. The run is currently in the process of being formally registered as a world record attempt.

As the countdown continues, the women are finalising accommodation, security, medical support, and sponsor partnerships while continuing strength training ahead of departure to Musina on 24 February.

“We’re doing this to create hope, inspire South Africans and empower children because when they are protected, families and communities follow.”

The running crew comprise: Michelle van Biljon, Marlien Cronje, Nicole Fish, Magda Nunes, Sulneri de Jager, Lee de Lange, Rikalize Vosloo, Candis Lubbe, Danielle Lubbe, Bukiwe Thwala, Lindsey Fourie and Tammy Meier.

Keep monitoring Net Nine Nine social media pages for more updates on the Cape2Care run, as well as www.dwfc.org.za to donate to the course.