Cotlands’ first-ever Run Play fun run event is inviting runners, walkers, families, and little feet to paint the town “orange” to help more children jump into early learning programmes and unleash their potential through the magic of play!
Johannesburg, South Africa (21 August 2025) – Joburgers, get ready for the city’s streets to turn into a sea of orange as Cotlands launches its first-ever Run to Play fun run and walk.
Taking place on Saturday, 22 November, the unmissable event to be held at the beautiful James and Ethel Gray Park in Birdhaven, blends fitness, fun and purpose to create a real change for South Africa’s children.
Run to Play offers 2km, 5km and 8km distances, making it perfect for runners, walkers, families and little feet too!
More than “just another fun run”. The Run to Play is an advocacy movement aimed at raising awareness about the early learning crisis in our country.
With 58% of South African children not enrolled in any early learning programme, the event forms part of the greater effort to advocate for the rights of our children to access quality play-based early learning.
Every step you take helps to ignite a child’s potential through the power of play. All proceeds from the race will go towards Cotlands’ work in delivering access to play-based early learning programmes through early learning playgroups and toy libraries.
“Whether you run, jog or walk, you are helping Cotlands stand up for the rights of every child in South Africa to access quality early childhood development (ECD),” says Nozizwe Dladla-Qwabe, Cotlands’ Acting CEO.
“By entering our race, you are helping to give more children the opportunity to thrive through Cotland’s toy libraries and early learning playgroups. We run these impactful programmes all across the country in marginalised communities where children need it the most.”
It is more than a run, it is a day of fun for the whole family!
Participants can look forward to a pop-up toy library, children’s entertainment, music and food stalls, and lots of orange energy! It is a day when we all come together to create a brighter future for more children. All ages are welcome, and costumes, colour and creativity are encouraged.
Calling all corporates!
Cotlands invites companies to enter corporate teams as part of an inspiring year-end team-building experience. It is the perfect way to close off the year with purpose, celebrate your team, and give back to those who need it most.
By sponsoring or participating, your company will be helping to expand access to early learning opportunities in under-resourced communities.
Join the Play Movement. Run to Play. Run for a purpose.
Follow @Cotlands on Instagram and Facebook for race updates, registration details, and exciting surprises we have planned along the way! For sponsorship opportunities and team entries, email marketing@cotlands.org. Register for the race HERE.
Let’s cover Johannesburg streets in orange and run for a brighter, more playful future for all children!
Sources: Supplied
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