More than 2,000 runners and walkers take part as annual race puts health, wellness and community support in focus
More than 1,700 runners and walkers took to the streets around Zevenwacht Mall in Kuils River on Sunday, 27 September for the 15th annual Voet of the Wine Route Race, bringing local running enthusiasts together for a day focused on fitness, health and wellness. The popular annual event, coordinated by In Touch Athletics Club, once again drew participants from the surrounding area and further afield, with an 18% increase in participation from last year. Zevenwacht Mall supported the event as part of its ongoing commitment to initiatives that encourage healthier lifestyles and community involvement.
This year, the mall extended its involvement beyond race day through its Road 2 Race Day campaign, which gave shoppers and race participants access to free health screenings and wellness checks in the lead-up to the event. The programme also included fitness, physiotherapy, nutrition and cardio dance demonstrations, providing practical information and support to help people better understand different aspects of their health and prepare for the race.
“For us, the Voet of the Wine Route has always been about our community coming together,” said Esley Du Plessis, marketing manager at Zevenwacht Mall. “The Road 2 Race Day campaign gave us an opportunity to build on that by making useful health and wellness information available to our shoppers. Whether someone was preparing to run the race or simply wanted to know a little more about their health, there was something practical they could take away from the experience.”
Giving back to the community
Community support also formed an important part of this year’s event. As part of the race’s charity initiative, Zevenwacht Mall collaborated with In Touch Athletics Club to make donations of R3,500 each to Hope House and Friends of Compassion. Both organisations work within the surrounding area, providing assistance to people who need additional support.
“The race gives us an opportunity not only to encourage people to get active, but also to support organisations doing important work within our community,” added Du Plessis. “That combination of wellness, connection and giving back is what makes this event particularly meaningful to us.”
Zevenwacht Mall thanked In Touch Athletics Club for coordinating another successful race, as well as the runners, walkers, families, wellness partners, volunteers and supporters who contributed to the event. Following the success of this year’s race, the mall will once again welcome runners and their families for the 16th annual In Touch Voet of the Wine Route Race in 2027.
For more information on the centre, go to https://zevenwachtmall.co.za/ or follow the mall on social media @zewenwacht_mall.
