Mandela Day Blanket Run

Mandela Day Blanekt runNelson Mandela International Day was launched in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s birthday on 18 July. The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010.

The idea behind Mandela Day is a global movement to honour Tata Madiba’s life legacy; to act to change the world for the better.  It is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact.

The Mandela Day campaign message is:

“Nelson Mandela fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes.”

 Mandela Day Blanket Running Tour“We would be honoured if such a day can serve to bring together people around the world to fight poverty and promote peace and reconciliation, according to a statement issued on Mandela’s behalf.”

To mark Mandela Day 2014, we at Run Cape Town held our second blanket run, the first being held on 18 July 2013.  The idea is thatMandela Day Blanket Running tour we run 6,7km through the city (we’re hoping to extend this to 67 minutes next year … start training chaps), and the only requisite to enter the run is to bring along a blanket to donate to charity.  Unfortunately, the 18 July falls in the middle of winter in Cape Town, which means short days and chilly weather with a high chance of rain … and that is exactly what we have been greeted with on our last 2 Mandela Day Blanket Runs!  However, we have been lucky enough to have amazing individuals who turn up to take part in this event, despite the cold & rain, and who bring along their blankets to donate to charity …

This Friday we ran from “Once in Cape Town”, a cool, hip & happening hostel in Kloof Street, and after our run we all stayed for a chat and a laugh & some re-fuelling in the form of very yummy pizza/beers.  We managed to collect 22 blankets, which we are going to donate to a children’s home in Hout Bay. 

Mandela Day Blanket running tourA VERY BIG THANK YOU to Tina, Sean, Catherine, Karen, Emily, Mark, Oriole, Brett, Sonia, Nikki, John, Hannelie and Gillian for participating in this event & doing something small for our greater community.  We hope this event grows even bigger next year …

Save the date, 18 July 2015, see you there!