Running for a Cause: Turning Kilometres into School Shoes

Craig Rowe, a Love Cities partner in Muldersdrift and leader of CDR Equipping, began fundraising for ‘My Walk Made with Soul’ school shoes after discovering how many students had walked to school barefoot or without proper footwear while growing up.

“When I started running, I wondered: what if every kilometre I ran could put a pair of shoes on a child’s feet?” says Craig.

His first campaign challenged friends and businesses to sponsor a pair of school shoes for every kilometre he ran during his first Two Oceans Half Marathon. Despite suffering a fall early in the race, Craig completed the run, motivated by the children who would benefit from the initiative.

The ‘My Walk Made with Soul’ shoes are made from upcycled PVC diverted from landfill, creating durable, waterproof footwear that protects children from harsh conditions while supporting environmental sustainability and local manufacturing.

Craig continues to champion the initiative, with Mandela Day fun runs planned for 18 July 2026 in Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg, to raise further support for children in need.