115KM for Hope: Endurance Athlete Takes on 115km in One Day to Raise R1 Million in Support of CANSA

Johannesburg, September 2026 – On 14 November 2026, endurance athlete Temotio Jacopo, known as Temo, will attempt an extraordinary challenge: running 115 kilometres in a single day from Pretoria to Johannesburg to raise funds in support of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).

Called 115KM for Hope, the initiative has one ambitious goal: to turn every kilometre into an opportunity to mobilise South Africans, businesses and communities around the impact of cancer and raise R1 million in support of CANSA.

The journey will start at BMW Fountains Circle in Pretoria and finish at BMW Bryanston in Johannesburg, with Temo completing the 115km route in one day.

But for Temo, the challenge is about far more than the distance.

“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,” says Temo. “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.”

Turning endurance into impact

Cancer affects far more than the individual diagnosed. Its impact can extend to families, caregivers, workplaces and communities.

Through 115KM for Hope, Temo and CANSA want to use the challenge not only to raise funds, but also to encourage conversations about cancer awareness, prevention, support and the role ordinary South Africans can play in helping those affected by the disease.

CANSA will support the initiative through its platforms and network, helping to amplify the fundraising campaign and mobilise communities and partners around the cause.

Makoma Raolane, CANSA Sustainability Manager says the initiative demonstrates how individuals can use their own talents and platforms to create meaningful 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. 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.”

R1 million. One shared purpose.

The campaign aims to raise R1 million in support of CANSA, with individuals encouraged to contribute through the official 115KM for Hope BackaBuddy campaign.

Corporate South Africa is also being invited to participate, with organisations encouraged to make financial contributions and explore meaningful ways of supporting and amplifying the initiative.

Beyond fundraising, Temo is inviting runners, running clubs, corporate teams and members of the public to become part of the journey. Participants will have opportunities to join him for selected sections of the route, allowing 115KM for Hope to become a collective demonstration of support rather than one man’s challenge alone.

“I may be the person running the full 115 kilometres, but I don’t want this to be my journey alone,” says Temo. “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.”

Building momentum towards 14 November

In the weeks leading up to the challenge, Temo will share his training journey and preparation while encouraging South Africans to rally behind the fundraising target.

The initiative will culminate on 14 November 2026, when he takes on the full 115km journey from Pretoria to Johannesburg.

The campaign is also expected to bring together corporate partners, CANSA supporters, runners and communities along the route, creating opportunities for South Africans to participate in different ways.

eNCA is coming on board for the live broadcast, helping take the story beyond the road and enabling more South Africans to follow the journey.

For Temo, however, success will ultimately be measured by what happens beyond the finish line.

“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. 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.”

How South Africans can get involved

South Africans can support 115KM for Hope by donating through the campaign’s official BackaBuddy fundraising page, sharing the initiative through their networks, encouraging businesses to contribute, or joining Temo for designated sections of the journey.

Event date: 14 November 2026
Distance: 115 kilometres
Start: BMW Fountains Circle, Pretoria
Finish: BMW Bryanston, Johannesburg
Fundraising goal: R1 million in support of CANSA
Fundraising platform: BackaBuddy https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/115km-for-hope-in-support-of-cansa

Every kilometre. Every partner. One shared purpose.

For media enquiries, interviews and partnership information:

Phumza Somhlaba
Head: Strategic Partnerships & Marketing
115KM for Hope
Cell: 083 513 4720
Email: phumsom20@gmail.com

CANSA Media Enquiries:
(For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA at email lbalona@cansa.org.za. Call 011 616 7662 or mobile 082 459 5230)