Cape Town Marathon: How Francois van Coke Overcame Gale-Force Winds and Ran Anyway

When the Cape Town Marathon was cancelled due to extreme winds, rockstar Francois van Coke refused to back down choosing to run 42 km solo to raise money for children in need.

When the Cape Town Marathon was cancelled due to gale-force winds, thousands of runners were left disappointed and frustrated. For many, the day ended before it began. But for Francois van Coke, frontman of the legendary South African rock band Fokofpolisiekar, it was only the beginning of something more meaningful.

Instead of packing up and heading home, Van Coke decided to run the 42-kilometre distance anyway solo across the suburbs of Cape Town. His mission? To raise funds for a playground at the ATKV Abbasorg Educare Centre in Cloetesville through Breadline Africa, a non-profit organisation that builds early childhood education facilities across South Africa.

CHECK ALSO: North West shocks fans with fake face tattoos and nose ring in viral TikTok

He pledged to raise R1 for every metre he ran, setting a target of R42,000. The funds would help create a safe space where young children could play, climb, and explore freely something he believes every child deserves.

“I wasn’t about to let that stop me,” Van Coke said after the race was called off. “I was running to raise funds for a new playground and jungle gym for the kids, and I was determined to make it happen anyway.”

While gale-force winds battered Cape Town, Van Coke laced up his running shoes and hit the pavement. What was supposed to be a city-wide event became an intimate personal challenge one that captured the spirit of resilience.

“The cancellation was disappointing,” he admitted. “I trained a lot, felt ready and strong, and was excited to take part in the marathon. But in the end, it wasn’t just about the race. It was about keeping my promise to those kids.”

Support soon began pouring in from fans and friends alike. Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels programme surprised him with a R10,000 donation toward his fundraising goal. Not long after, he had already raised an additional R9,000.

Omega Tv UK celebrates ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, we wish to thank all our viewers for helping us reach this milestone.

Happy 1st anniversary to Omega TV UK!.

Van Coke shared that the cause hit close to home. “I have two little kids and I see their needs every day. Because I love them so much and they enrich my life, I feel stoked to help and improve the lives of other children in any way I can,” he said.

Running has been part of Van Coke’s lifestyle for more than a decade, but his passion for long-distance running deepened during the Covid-19 pandemic. He started running longer routes as a form of therapy and a way to stay grounded amid uncertainty. Since then, he has continued participating in local and international races.

“It’s something I need in my life right now,” he said. “It’s freedom and peace for a few hours a week. I run whenever I can, even when I’m on tour. I’ve been lucky enough to run in New Zealand, Australia, China, England, and the Netherlands this year. It’s also a great way to see a city.”

Although his solo marathon was a personal triumph, Van Coke admitted it would have been more meaningful to complete the official Cape Town Marathon alongside thousands of others. “The solo run was fun, but it would have meant much more to do the marathon properly,” he said.

Still, he’s determined to keep the momentum going. “On November 6, 2025, the day of the official handover of the new center, I’ll be running from Bellville to Cloetesville. I want to keep that promise alive.”

Van Coke also expressed his gratitude to the people who supported his initiative. “A huge thanks to everyone who’s already helped me reach around 40% of my goal,” he said. “Your support means the world and it’s what keeps me going. Let’s cross that finish line together.”

For Van Coke, this experience was about more than running. It was about using his platform and passion for something bigger than himself a small act of endurance that could leave a lasting impact on young lives. In true rock star fashion, he turned a moment of disappointment into one of determination and hope proving that sometimes, the biggest victories don’t come with medals but with meaning.

About The Author