Overview
What is the Business Trust Long Run?
The Business Trust Long Run is the world's largest corporate relay. It demonstrates the power of partnership, and that there are some things that cannot be achieved alone. Teams from business government join communities and celebrities to complete a relay across South Africa varying between 1400km and 2000km. Each run changes route, and since 2002 over 6000km have been covered by nearly 4000 runners.
Each day of the run celebrates partnerships for South Africa and its people. Participants visit projects that have benefited from the Business Trust, allowing them a greater understanding of the impact of our work. The run travels through large and (sometimes very) small towns all amidst much festivity. In 2006 the run focused on celebrating South Africa and the people who make it great. The event demonstrates that in the long run, we can make a difference by working together.
History of the Business Trust Long Run
The event took place for the first time in 2002, and again in 2003 and 2004, and 2006. Since 2002, nearly 4000 runners from corporate, government, and strategic partners and communities have completed 6800 km, covering South Africa from east to west, and north to south. Members of big business have hit the road, and in some cases the sand, alongside professional runners, corporate teams and leaders of government to illustrate the power of partnerships. For more information on previous Long Runs, see the Past Long Runs section.
Who participates?
Teams are formed from the Business Trust's corporate, government, and strategic partners, each team completing 10km of the run, before handing the baton to the next team. Added to this are the heads of South Africa's senior companies, cabinet ministers and the extraordinary men and women from South Africa's oft forgotten towns along the way who work to improve their lives and those of the people around them.
Celebrity support
Through our corporate partners, the Business Trust Long Run has garnered much celebrity support. In 2006 individuals gave up time to sweat it out on the tarmac and to visit local communities. Some of these sporting greats include Lucas Radebe, Graham Smith, Baby Jake Matlala, Francios Pienaar, Bruce Fordyce, Willie Mtolo, Deshun Deysel, Sarah Mahlangu, Thomas "The Hit Man" Mashabe, Nick Bester, James Perry, Donavan Cech and Ramon De Clemente.
What are the objectives?
The key objectives of the run are to:
- obtain media coverage to communicate the commitment of business, the value of partnership and the contribution of the Business Trust;
- thank our partners and funder companies, and to demonstrate to them in a tangible way the work of the Business Trust through project visits;
- bring big business directly into small communities; and
- build a positive sense of South Africa
How is it funded?
The Long Run is co-funded through entry fees paid by Business Trust corporate partners, and the Business Trust's communications budget. It isn't a fundraising event, but rather a profile raising event.
How can you join?
If your company is a partner of the Business Trust, you can participate. For more information contact Brenda Kennedy on 011 469 4542 or email brenda(at)allsorted.co.za.
