This weekend will see 41 determined runners from Groote Schuur Hospital Trust (GSHT) hitting the streets of Cape Town, taking part in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and raising crucial funds that will equip the hospital’s new Emergency Centre with essential life-saving gear.
The marathon weekend kicks off on Saturday 18 October with a 10km Peace Run and four trail races of varying distances and wraps up on Sunday 19 October with the main 42.2km marathon.
The emergency centre is being built in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness and will serve as a critical hub for emergency and trauma care in the province.
The goal is to raise R20 million to fund essential medical equipment, including ventilators, patient monitors, and ultrasound machines.
Among the runners taking in the 42 km are front-line health-care professionals from Groote Schuur’s trauma and emergency units as well as colleagues from the radiography department, all running in support of the patients they serve daily.
Groote Schuur’s chief executive officer, Dr Shaheem de Vries, facility board chair Hassen Kajie and Groote Schuur Hospital Trust executive director Kristy Evans will also lace-up to show their support and solidarity.
Together they are championing the call to action to ensure that when the new Emergency Centre opens next year, it is equipped with the right tools to save lives.
“Our Emergency Centre is the first point of care for thousands of people every year,” said Evans. “With the right equipment, our teams can save more lives, faster.”
De Vries said delivering quality emergency care in a public health system requires more than dedication it “demands the right tools and equipment.
“Our staff bring extraordinary commitment every day, and this campaign helps ensure they have the resources to match their skill and compassion. Every contribution directly supports better care for every patient who comes through our doors.”
Evans said every contribution, no matter the size, brings the hospital closer to equipping the Emergency Centre and strengthening public health care in the Western Cape.
Support the runners by donating through the official GivenGain campaign: https://www.givengain.com/campaign/run-for-gsh-trust-at-the-sanlam-cape-town-marathon-2025
