Endurance athlete Temotio Jacopo will run 115 kilometres from Pretoria to Johannesburg in November, aiming to raise R1 million for CANSA and expand cancer support services.
Known as Temo, Jacopo will take on the 115KM for Hope challenge on 14 November 2026, completing the entire journey from BMW Fountains Circle in Pretoria to BMW Bryanston in Johannesburg in a single day.
The endurance challenge is being used as a fundraising platform for the Cancer Association of South Africa, with the campaign aiming to mobilise individuals, businesses, running communities and corporate partners around a R1 million fundraising target.
For Temo, the distance represents an opportunity to use something he already does — running — to support people and families affected by cancer.
“Running 115 kilometres will test me physically and mentally, but there are people and families facing challenges far greater than anything I will experience on the road,” he said.
“I want to use what I can do, run, to contribute to something much bigger than myself. Every kilometre is for someone affected by cancer, for a family supporting someone they love, and for the hope that together we can make a difference.”
Cancer affects not only the person diagnosed, but can place emotional, practical and financial pressure on families, caregivers and wider support networks.
Through the campaign, Temo and CANSA also want to encourage conversations about cancer awareness, prevention and the support available to people affected by the disease.
CANSA will use its network and communication platforms to help amplify the campaign and encourage communities and partners to participate.
CANSA Sustainability Manager Makoma Raolane said the initiative demonstrates how individuals can use their own abilities and platforms to generate wider social impact.
“What makes 115KM for Hope special is the decision to turn a deeply personal test of endurance into an opportunity to serve others,” Raolane said.
“Temo is putting his body through 115 kilometres, but behind every kilometre is a much bigger purpose, helping us continue supporting people affected by cancer and creating greater awareness around the cancer experience.”
The campaign is targeting R1 million through its official BackaBuddy fundraising page, while businesses are also being encouraged to contribute financially or support the initiative through partnerships and amplification.
The campaign is not intended to remain a solo effort.
Running clubs, corporate teams and members of the public will have opportunities to join Temo for selected sections of the route, allowing supporters to become physically involved in the journey.
“I may be the person running the full 115 kilometres, but I don’t want this to be my journey alone,” Temo said.
“Whether someone contributes financially, shares the campaign, joins me for a few kilometres or simply encourages somebody else to get involved, they become part of 115KM for Hope.”
In the weeks leading up to the run, Temo will share his preparation and training as the campaign works towards both the physical challenge and fundraising target.
According to campaign organisers, eNCA is also expected to support the initiative through live coverage, extending the reach of the journey beyond those physically present along the route.
The event is expected to bring together runners, businesses, CANSA supporters and communities between Pretoria and Johannesburg, creating different ways for people to participate.
For Temo, completing the 115 kilometres will only represent one measure of success.
“Crossing the finish line will mean that I have completed 115 kilometres. But the real finish line is what we can achieve together for CANSA,” he said.
“My hope is that when I arrive in Johannesburg, we haven’t just completed a run, we’ve created something that can make a meaningful difference.”
South Africans can support the campaign through donations, sharing the initiative through their networks, encouraging companies to participate or joining Temo for designated sections of the route.
The 115KM for Hope challenge takes place on 14 November 2026, starting at BMW Fountains Circle in Pretoria and finishing at BMW Bryanston in Johannesburg.
The campaign’s R1 million fundraising target will support CANSA’s work with people and families affected by cancer.
