Several of Cape Town's most ardent trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts kicked off their shoes this summer, donating their running gear to charity. The runners, who all participated in the Montrail-CAPESTORM Cape Summer Trail Series, donated over 50 pairs of trainers to underprivileged children from the JAG Sports & Education Foundation, in a show of solidarity and passion for the sport.

“This was a goose-bump moment,” comments ProNutro JAG Runners head coach, Dave Spence. “The runners spontaneously took off their shoes, placed them in the JAG bus and walked back their cars… barefoot.”

The children, hailing from as far afield as Manenberg, Gugulethu and Kayamandi, all form part of the ProNutro JAG Runners programme, a sporting initiative run in previously disadvantaged communities across the Western Cape. The programme seeks to provide high-qualified training for coaches and infrastructure for talented runners from these areas, promoting personal development and allowing them to achieve both their athletic and personal potential.

“The kids were thrilled to be participating in the trail series, this being the first time ever that development runners were exposed to trail running in such pristine areas of Cape Town,” comments Olympic Silver medallist and CEO of the JAG Foundation, Elana Meyer. “The highlight of the series was without a doubt, the donation made by the participants. This overwhelming gesture will certainly make a significant difference in the lives of our runners and show the compassion of the sporting community.’

Read more on the Montrail-Capestorm Cape Summer Trail Series