Fish Hoek's Danielle Lubbe to run 2 160km charity relay for vulnerable children

Fish Hoek resident Danielle Lubbe is preparing to take part in the Cape2Care 2026 relay, which will see participants run 2 160km from Musina to Cape Agulhas in just nine days to raise awareness and funds for vulnerable children.

The run, which will start on Wednesday, February 25, is hosted by the non-profit organisation Dynamic Women for Children (DWFC).

The 2026 relay builds on three years of long-distance fundraising walks by the organisation, which previously saw participants cover more than 1 400km from Pretoria to Cape Town over three weeks.

DWFC says the initiative is aimed at children who have been “failed by their circumstances, failed by the adults meant to protect them, failed by broken systems and empty promises."

The organisation says it walks and runs for children who have “untapped potential” and who only need one opportunity to change their future.

Ms Lubbe said running had become a key part of rebuilding her life after a very difficult period.

“I started taking running seriously towards the end of 2023, when I was rebuilding my relationship with my body and mind following a very difficult time,” she said.

“It gave me structure when everything else felt overwhelming, and slowly it helped me trust myself again.”

In 2024, she discovered ultra-trail running and later attempted her first 100km ultra in December 2025. According to Ms Lubbe, that training taught her how to develop a strong mind and to trust the process.

She said being part of Cape2Care allows her to use something personal to support children who have no control over their circumstances.

“What’s incredibly meaningful now is being able to use something that helped me get out of a difficult situation and use it to shine a light for kids who aren’t able to choose their circumstances,” Ms Lubbe said.

“Running, to me, has always been about more than just speed or distance. It’s about perseverance, believing in yourself, and persevering through difficult times.”

She said the biggest challenge during the nine-day relay would be the cumulative fatigue.

“Waking up every day knowing that your body is already sore and exhausted and still asking it to go again will probably be the hardest part. Over that many kilometres in such a short period of time, there is nowhere to hide.”

Ms Lubbe stressed that the focus of the run was not on the runners themselves.

“This run has nothing to do with me. My discomfort disappears as soon as it becomes difficult. Knowing why I’m out there is what will keep me going. The children this run is for are and always will be the main focus.”

She said ultra-running had taught her that “while pain passes, purpose endures”, and that purpose would carry her through when her body wants to stop.

Through Cape2Care, Ms Lubbe hopes people will better understand what vulnerable children in South Africa face.

“Actual children are living with ongoing trauma, instability and limited access to care behind statistics and headlines. Dynamic Women for Children is doing amazing work, helping kids not only during difficult times but also during the gradual, frequently invisible process of recovery and growth.”

She said the relay uses an extreme physical challenge to highlight realities that should not be extreme.

“Children shouldn’t have to be resilient just to survive. Many face circumstances that require strength far beyond their years, without the safety nets most of us take for granted.”

Members of the public are encouraged to support the initiative through donations, sharing the story or sending messages of encouragement.

“The most direct and effective way for people to change the world is through donations. Every donation supports initiatives that give vulnerable children genuine, continuous support.”

Ms Lubbe added that sharing the story, spreading awareness and offering encouragement during the run also play a role, as do sponsorships and partnerships, including support from sports nutrition brands, clothing partners, and photographers and videographers documenting the journey.

“This is a collective effort. While I may be one of the women running, the difference made beyond the finish line is built through community, collaboration and a shared belief in the cause.”

You can support  Ms Lubbe's Cape2Care 2026 run and help vulnerable children by donating online via GivenGain