Lace up for the TymeBank Langa Run4Freedom race

16 April 2025: Cape Town's historic Langa township will transform on Freedom Day, 27 April, as the annual TymeBank Langa Run4Freedom takes centre stage. Now in its fourth year, this annual event sees runners passing through the heart of one of South Africa's oldest townships, immersing themselves in Langa's vibrant culture while directly empowering local businesses and community initiatives. This year the one-of-a-kind run is expected to draw a field of over 1 800 runners.

This year’s race will feature William Kaptein of the TymeBank Langa Athletics Club, fresh off his exceptional victory at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon on 6 April 2025. Kaptein made history as the first runner from Cape Town to win the prestigious event since Makhosonke Fika’s triumph in 1998.

The 10-kilometre run is open to all clubs and professional athletes, while a 6-kilometre option caters to non-professional runners looking to challenge their fitness and embrace the vibrant township atmosphere. This year the race commemorates 30 years of democracy, freedom, and resilience, making it more than just a run - it’s a celebration of unity and progress. The event promises a day of fitness, fun, and community spirit, welcoming runners of all levels to be part of this special occasion.

Karl Westvig, CEO at TymeBank says: “We are honoured to serve as the lead sponsor for this exciting race, investing in what has become a treasured fixture in Cape Town's race calendar. We hope to inspire young people to discover their potential through sport, following in the footsteps of local hero William Kaptein, whose Two Oceans Half Marathon victory showed what dedication and talent can achieve. This run welcomes everyone, from first-time participants and casual runners seeking a unique community experience, to elite athletes looking to beat their best time on Langa’s historic streets. It’s an opportunity for participants to be part of something truly meaningful while celebrating Freedom Day."

Starting point

Organised by the TymeBank Langa Athletics Club, the race will start at the Langa Sports Stadium, Bitterhout Avenue, and takes runners through Washington street, the oldest in the township, and other surrounding streets, offering a glimpse of the Langa townships rich history.

Entry fees and registration

Entry fees for the 6-kilometre fun run range from R50 for junior runners to R70 for senior runners and for the 10km from R120 (licensed runners) to R180. Participants can register online at https://bit.ly/tymelangarace or enter at the venue at Langa Sports Stadium on 25 April and 26 April , from 14:00 till 17:00 (or on race day, 27 April from 05:00 until 07:00). Athletes can also enter at the Sportsman Warehouse in Rondebosch on 25 and 26 April from 14:00 to 17:00. Online entries close at midnight on the 18 April 2025.

TymeBank Langa Athletics Club Chairman Molebatsi Matube says: “Approximately 1 500 runners took part in last year’s 10km race, with additional runners tackling the 6km fun run, cheered on by the crowd of enthusiastic supporters who arrived to provide support and to celebrate Freedom Day with us, in the spirit of peace and togetherness. This year’s race is set to be a truly memorable, fun, and exhilarating day for everyone involved. We aim to create an atmosphere of joy and community spirit, where every participant can celebrate our democracy while challenging themselves. We encourage as many people as possible to join us as we run for a cause, connect with one another, and make lasting memories together.”

The race organising committee is working closely with all stakeholders in the city of Cape Town, including the Metro Police, the Emergency Medical Services, the local Police, the Policing Forum, and the taxi associations, to ensure that the race is safe and well-coordinated.

Proceeds from the race

Proceeds from the event will go towards community development projects, making your participation a contribution towards positive change. Meaning ‘sun’ in English, the Langa township is home to many famous faces, including Proteas Captain, Temba Bavuma, Cricketer Thami Tsolekile, former Orlando Pirates player Thabo Mngomeni and one of South Africa’s cultural icons and singer, Brenda Fassie.

About The TymeBank Langa Run 4 Freedom

The TymeBank Langa Run 4 Freedom is an annual running event held in Langa, Cape Town to commemorate Freedom Day on 27 April. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Langa, one of Cape Town's historically rich neighbourhoods, this race invites participants of all ages to come together. With both 6 km and 10 km options available, runners and walkers can choose the distance that suits them best, making it an inclusive event for families, friends, and fitness enthusiasts alike.

About TymeBank

TymeBank is currently one of the world’s fastest-growing digital banks and the first digital bank to reach profitability in Africa, with more than 11 million customers since launching in February 2019. The bank is founded on simplicity, transparency and affordability and is designed to make digital banking accessible and affordable to all South Africans across the economic spectrum. TymeBank has no monthly banking fees, it takes less than five minutes to open an account and in most cases transaction costs are 30 to 50% lower than what customers would pay at other local banks. Through a distribution partnership with Pick n Pay, Boxer, and TFG stores, TymeBank has over 1,000 kiosks and 15,000 retail points across the country. Retail Capital, a division of TymeBank, is the largest SME funder of its kind in the sector.

For more information visit www.tymebank.co.za

Issued by Aprio on behalf of TymeBank

For queries please contact: 

Rio Matlhaku-082 907 7943 or rio@aprio.co.za

Michelle Copans-082 743 9962 or michelle@aprio.co.za

Pontsho Ramontsha - 0724717357 or pontsho.ramontsha@tymedigital.com