Every step counted on Saturday 7 March as students, staff and the community at NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus laced up their running shoes to participate in the meaningful ‘Running for Impact’ initiative, which supports NWU’s Meal-A-Day programme.

Organised by the Development and Fundraising Department in partnership with the Genese Running Club, the event saw participants donate non-perishable food items and toiletries. These donations will be distributed to students who rely on the programme’s support, which aims to ensure that no student goes to bed hungry.

The run created a vibrant atmosphere on campus, with participants encouraging one another along the route. Beyond promoting fitness, the event showcased how collaboration between the university and local stakeholders can improve students’ lives.

According to Silvanus Welcome, Director for Development and Fundraising, the initiative was inspired by the growing need for food security among students.

“We were inspired by the need for food amongst students,” he said. “My vision is that no student should attend class with an empty stomach or lack access to sanitary towels. The more we involve students in initiatives like this, the more we cultivate a culture of giving within the NWU community.”

Lepata Molotja, founder of the Genese Running Club, saw the run as an opportunity for social impact.

“Knowing that some students struggle with food security, we partnered with the Development and Fundraising Department to help create that starting point,” he said. “Through the run and the donations of non-perishable food items, we hope to ensure that more students have access to meals and support,” Lepata added.

The 5 km run started and ended at the Big Lapa, with each jog past the landscape buildings bringing participants closer to achieving the shared goal of supporting their fellow students 

Prizes, rewards and a spirit of community

Participants also had the opportunity to win prizes donated by sponsors, including Plato Vanderbijlpark, the NWU Vanderbijlpark Student Centre, and the NWU Sports Village.

Plato Vanderbijlpark provided 100 vouchers to the participants, offering 10% off any drink purchase. The race winner, Xola Joeli, received a R400 food voucher to be used at the Student Centre, while the top five male runners were given Plato gift packs. Runners who finished in sixth to tenth place in either category received Planet Fitness water bottles and Red Bull drinks, also two of the sponsors of the event.

Zakhele Madlala won the grand prize in a raffle draw. The prize included a fully catered two-day stay for two people at the NWU Sports Village.

Participants described the run as a positive and uplifting experience, highlighting the strong sense of community that was evident throughout the event.

“Everyone was socialising, laughing and fully engaging in the warm-up, the run itself and the celebrations afterwards. It really showed how running can give people a sense of freedom and connection,” Lepata concluded.