Kids of STEEL in South Africa
On Saturday, September 27th, 2025, something truly “Runbelievable” happened. One of Kids of STEEL’s 315 sites, Runbelievable Swift Kids, located in Kempton Park, South Africa, made history by bringing the Kids Marathon, a Pittsburgh-based event, all the way across the ocean—and the impact was tremendous.
The Race:
Charl Whitaker, head coach of Runbelievable Swift Kids, led this first-ever South African Kids Marathon. Every runner went home with a t-shirt, medal, and goody bag, celebrating the hard work they put into the race and in their Kids of STEEL season.
The Outcome:
- 30 sign-ups, 20 proud finishers
- First-time runners: Some children had never run or exercised before, but on race day, they blew everyone away with their effort, excitement, and “I can do this!” spirit.
- Community Connection: Parents drove in from neighboring cities, praising the program and asking, “When’s the next one?”The Youngest Participant - just 6 months old! His mom proudly pushed him in a stroller, and yes—he received a medal, a goodie bag, and a tiny race shirt
In One Word:
Sensational: Whitaker described race day as sensational because it wasn’t just about the miles—it was about creating a space where kids and parents alike could see the joy, health, and possibility that running brings.
Impactful Story Going Beyond Movement:
There were two children who couldn’t attend the race due to the loss of their father, so Whitaker made special arrangements to host a separate race just for them, so they could still be a part of the event and earn their medals and t-shirts. A powerful reminder that this program goes beyond movement - but a way for communities to come together to support and be alongside every child’s journey.
Why Kids of STEEL?
When asked what inspired them to start a Kids of STEEL site in South Africa, Whitaker shared: “We saw what the Kids of STEEL team was doing in the USA, and we don’t have anything like this in South Africa. To be the first was an opportunity we had to grab.”
And that they did.
The Ripple Effect
What started with one race is already growing. The Kids of STEEL program is now expanding to two sites, ensuring that even more children will have the chance to join in the fun. And it doesn’t stop there—they’re already planning future events, maybe even a whole series of races in the park.
Advice for Future Site Leaders
We asked Charl what they would tell someone thinking about starting their own Kids of STEEL site.
“Just go for it. To see kids happy, getting healthier, and fitter in a playful way is the best thing. Training nights are full of fist bumps, hugs, and hearing the kids call us ‘Coach’ and ‘Aunty Coach.’ Watching their hard work pay off is just incredible.”
The Start of Something Big
From Pittsburgh to South Africa, the Kids of STEEL Program and the Kids Marathon has proven that movement truly unites us all. This first-ever event outside the U.S. is more than a milestone—it’s the beginning of a global movement to inspire kids and their families everywhere to be active, confident, and unstoppable.
