This year, the Honorary Rangers will again man a water point along the way on race day to raise funds for conservation.
Last year, a large portion of the proceeds of this drive went to much-needed support for South African National Parks’ (SANParks) K9 anti-poaching units in the Kruger National and Table Mountain Parks, and support for SANParks rangers through Project Embrace.
The Comrades Marathon’s Race4Charity offers runners an opportunity to turn their running efforts into something great for charity.
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The officially recognised Amabeadibeadi charities are the Durban and Pietermaritzburg Community Chests, the Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC), Childline KwaZulu-Natal, Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust, Rise Against Hunger and the Sanparks Honorary Rangers.
“The Comrades AmaBeadiBeadi Race4Charity drive has enabled us to contribute significantly to our K9 national project that supports the SANParks K9 anti-poaching units, and to our national Project Embrace, which provides trauma counselling and support for field rangers and their families,” says Ian Catt, treasurer of the KwaZulu-Natal region of SANParks Honorary Rangers and chairperson of the Comrades organising committee.
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“Poaching in our national parks remains a major conservation challenge, and the SANParks K9 Unit is considered a game changer for anti-poaching initiatives.
“Through Project Embrace we support field rangers whose demanding and often dangerous duties can lead to burnout and stress. This programme helps to promote ranger well-being and equips them to safeguard lives and wildlife effectively.”
SANParks Honorary Rangers is the official volunteer organisation of South African National Parks. With over 2 000 volunteer members in 31 regions covering all 20 national parks, the organisation is committed to conserving South Africa’s natural heritage for generations to come. Members donate their time and skills to foster conservation in all national parks. The SANParks Honorary Rangers is a registered public benefit and non-profit organisation and SANParks’ preferred channel for public support, providing opportunities for individuals and businesses to support conservation initiatives in South Africa’s national parks.
ALSO READ: Strong relationship between SANParks and Honorary Rangers helps build sustainable parks
To get involved, Comrades runners can register on the Race4Charity platform and select the SANParks Honorary Rangers as their chosen charity. This allows them to raise funds for conservation while participating in the marathon.
Supporters can contribute to the cause by donating to runners supporting the SANParks Honorary Rangers or donating directly to the organisation.
“It does not matter how small the donations are,” says Catt. “Every little bit helps.”
The 2025 Comrades Marathon will take place on 8 June.
“Our members across the country are ready to support runners who join our cause, and we look forward to encouraging all the runners as they make their way through our watering ‘hole’ on race day,” says Catt.
For more information, email comrades@sanparksvolunteers.org or visit www.sanparksvolunteers.org.
