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Participants will journey through key landmarks evoking the memory of those who lived, worked, and resisted during a time of profound injustice.
By SHANAAZ EBRAHIM-GIRE
The 13th edition of the Slave Route Challenge is set to take place on Sunday, June 1, 2025, and once again promises to be a powerful celebration of Cape Town’s richly layered history, culture, and community spirit.
While the Half Marathon is officially sold out, organisers are urging those who wish to take part to secure their spot in the 10km Run, 10km Big Walk, or 5km Fun Run/Walk before entries close at midnight on Sunday, May 11, 2025.
Hosted by Brimstone Itheko Sport Athletic Club, the Slave Route Challenge has become a much-anticipated event on Cape Town’s sporting and cultural calendar, attracting participants from across South Africa and beyond, and is held under the auspices of Western Province Athletics.
A route steeped in history
What sets this event apart is its deep connection to the city’s past. Participants will journey through key landmarks such as the Cape Town Castle, District Six, the Company’s Garden, the Slave Lodge, and the District Six Museum – each site evoking the memory of those who lived, worked, and resisted during a time of profound injustice.
The race route is both a physical challenge and a guided tour through the legacy of slavery and the resilience of the Cape’s early Muslim community, many of whom were forcibly brought to the Cape as enslaved people. The event offers a space for reflection, pride, and renewed commitment to the values of freedom, dignity, and justice.
A highlight of the event – and a test of endurance – is the infamous ‘Koesister Hill’ on Pentz Street in Bo-Kaap. Participants face a steep climb through one of the city’s most culturally iconic neighbourhoods before being rewarded with a freshly made koesister at the summit – a delicious celebration of Cape Malay heritage and hospitality that brings runners and walkers together in shared joy and determination.
Running for a cause: Edufundi
This year’s race beneficiary is Edufundi, a non-profit that works to improve education outcomes by empowering teachers in under-resourced schools. Through this partnership, participants are not only running through history – they’re investing in a better future for the next generation.
Brimstone Itheko Sport Athletic Club president, Zarina Meyer-Brewer, notes, ‘The Slave Route Challenge is about movement and memory. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re honouring the past while creating space for unity and celebration.’
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Entries for the Half Marathon are now closed, but limited entries are still available for the 10km Run, 10km Big Walk, and 5km Fun Run/Walk. Community members are encouraged to sign up soon to avoid missing out, as no late entries will be accepted after Sunday, May 11, 2025.
To register, visit www.slaveroute.co.za or WebTickets.
A look back at the 2024 Slave Route Challenge
