When Leslie Pangemanan, an ultra marathon runner from the Netherlands, established Run4Schools in 2004 even he could could not imagine the lasting impact it would eventually have. But he had a plan: run as many races as possible to help raise funds to support the programme.

Run4Schools founder, Leslie Pangemanan, arrives at the finish line at UCT in last year’s edition of the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. Picture: Fuad Esack

What started out as an idea to offer children at Alpine Primary School in Beacon Valley a bit of after-school physical activity 20 years ago, during his stint as a young volunteer sports coach at the school, has grown to be come a fully-fledged, fully-integrated programme aimed at offering youngsters the opportunity to showcase their talents in sports and music at Alpine, Northwood, Tafelsig and Cascade primary schools in Beacon Valley, Woodlands and Tafelsig respectively.

After 20 years Run4Schools founder, Leslie Pangemanan, is still not ready to call it quits when it comes to running to support the programme. Picture: Fuad Esack

Fuelled by his passion for Mitchell’s Plain and the programme, time and distance could not diminish his enthusiasm, as Pangemanan and a few like-minded supporters, set a plan in motion to make his vision a reality. At the weekend, Pangemanan, along with a large contingent of countrymen, including his daughter Faye, 18, who completed her first Two Oceans half marathon on Sunday, hit the street for Saturday’s 56km ultra run.

From left are, Run4Schools supporters from The Netherlands, Harold Westland, Marcel Bellis, Irma Westland, Maria Bellis and Alex van der Horst. Picture: Fuad Esack

To mark this milestone, the youngsters involved with the project at the various schools presented a musical showcase at the Joseph Stone Auditorium on Monday April 15, taking the audience on a musical trip down a not-too-distant memory lane, touching on major high and low-lights over the past two decades, including South Africa hosting the Soccer World Cup in 2010 and president Cyril Ramaphosa announcing heavy lockdown measures during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Run4Schools cast members during their performance on stage to commemorate the organisation’s 20th anniversary. Picture: Fuad Esack

“Monday’s performance was not only about sharing the story of Run4Schools Foundation, it was sharing the story of Mitchell's Plain and our realities through the voices of our young students and own experiences daily such as death, poverty, mental health, community, etcetera,” said Run4Schools general manager, Kaylin Cedras, who alongside Justin Blake, see to it that their day-to-day activities run smoothly. Both started out as coaches before taking on managerial roles.

“We have a team of 14 coaches, all born and raised in Mitchell's Plain,” Cedras said.

“We cannot thank Run4Schools Foundation founder, Leslie Pangemanan and the rest of the board members in the Netherlands, enough. They have given us an opportunity to be part of something greater and for us as a team employed by Run4Schools to give back to the Mitchell's Plain community,” she said.

Messages of support for the Run4Schools project. Picture: Fuad Esack

More than just a sports programme, Run4Schools also offers a creative arts programme that includes music, musical instruments, dance and visual arts. Picture: Fuad Esack

What would a Run4Schools show be without a reference to the Two Oceans Marathon, which has supported the programme over many years. Pictured are youngsters performing their Oceans piece at Monday’s 20th anniversary showcase at the Joseph Stone Auditorium in Athlone. Picture: Fuad Esack

Besides commemorating Run4Schools’ 20th anniversary, cast members also portrayed the daily challenges they face growing up in Mitchell’s Plain. Picture: Fuad Esack

Encore. Run4Schools’ 20th anniversary showcase cast members pay tribute to the organisation’s founder, Leslie Pangemanan, at the end of their performance at the Joseph Stone Auditorium. Picture: Fuad Esack

A teary-eyed Leslie Pangemaman closing off Monday’s musical showcase with an emotional speech. Picture: Fuad Esack

Not one to chase after the spotlight, Run4Schools founder, Leslie Pangemanan, prefers to let his actions speak louder than words. Picture: Fuad Esack

Called on stage at the end of the show, Pangemanan nearly choked on his tears as he expressed a heartfelt thanks to all those who supported the programme over the years.

“I’m 51 and I’m not about to break new records, but I will keep running for as long as my legs can carry me,” he said.

For more information about the programme, visit https://www.run4schools.nl

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Run4Schools – 20 years and still going strong