Ultra-Runner Thembinkosi Sojola Climbs George Peak 26 Times to Support Children in Need

Photo Credit: Thembinkosi Sojola via Facebook

No child should have to ‘climb’ life’s biggest obstacles alone. That is why South African ultra-endurance and trail runner Thembinkosi Sojola is climbing George Peak 26 times to support the work that provides vulnerable children with stable and nurturing care.

Outeniqua Mountains, South Africa (07 August 2026) – Thembinkosi Sojola is a premier South African ultra-endurance and trail runner. The holder of the South African Backyard Ultra record with 55 laps (365 km), he regularly competes in elite endurance events like the Comrades Marathon and Ultra-Trail Cape Town.

Today, however, he has embarked on a race that will not only test his physical limits, but also support children and families facing some of life’s most heartbreaking realities.

Thembinkosi is climbing George Peak in the Outeniqua Mountains 26 times –triple the height of Mount Everest– in support of the George Child and Family Welfare.

Thembinkosi believes every child deserves a safe, loving foundation to build their life on. Sadly, far too many don’t have one. George Child and Family Welfare works tirelessly to protect vulnerable children, support struggling families, prevent abuse and neglect, and help keep families together or provide stable, nurturing care.

“They step in during the hardest moments, offering shelter, counselling, resources, and hope to kids who have faced unimaginable hardship. The Triple Everesting pushing my body and mind through the equivalent of three times the height of the world’s tallest mountain mirrors the relentless resilience these children and families must show every single day,” Thembinkosi says.

Just as he will keep climbing long after his legs burn and doubt creeps in, Child and Family Welfare keeps showing up for kids who have no one else.

“By taking on this extreme challenge, I want to raise not just funds, but awareness that investing in child and family welfare breaks cycles of trauma, builds stronger communities, and gives the next generation a real chance to thrive. No child should have to ‘climb’ life’s biggest obstacles alone. This is my way of standing with them.”

Supporters have been cheering him long before he embarked on the first climb, with R26,503 already raised towards the cause. Donations can be sill be made on his crowdfunding campaign here.

Thembinkosi, your compassion in action is as bold as it is inspiring, and we are rooting for you every step of the way. You can follow his journey on Facebook and Instagram.