For the first time in a decade, the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) flagship fundraising initiative achieved a historic milestone. The annual Steps 2 UJ Future Forward Fun Run officially sold out, drawing a vibrant crowd of more than a thousand runners, walkers, and families to the AW Muller Stadium in Auckland Park on Saturday, 30 May 2026.
The energy was electric as participants of all fitness levels gathered to turn miles into milestones, supporting a vital cause: raising funds for student bursaries.
A fiesta of fitness, fashion, and fun
The event was backed by a stellar lineup of sponsors, ensuring that winners did not go home empty-handed. Beyond the traditional podium finishes across the 2.5km, 5km, and 10km distances, prizes were awarded for the most creative and eccentric fitness outfits. Prizes were also awarded to the participants who brought the ‘gees’ and created one of the vibey running events in Johannesburg.
Between the races, the stadium grounds transformed into a lively festival featuring dance-offs, morning fitness activations, and community-driven entertainment.
While the 2.5km route kept participants close to the action, the 5km and 10km tracks challenged runners to push their limits, winding through the iconic Auckland Park Kingsway Campus before looping back to a roaring finish at the stadium. Notably, this year’s 10km category saw an inspiring turnout of younger runners who successfully tackled the distance alongside their parents.
Elite competition: 10km results
The 10km race delivered high-octane competition, with the top three athletes in both the men’s and women’s categories walking away with top-tier prizes.
Men’s Overall 10km Winners
| Place | Name | Time | Money / Prize |
| 1st | Tumelo Lerumo | 32:10 | R3000.00 |
| 2nd | Boikanyo Motlamme | 33:04 | R1750.00 |
| 3rd | Lehlohonolo Lusiti | 33:27 | R1500.00 |
Women’s Overall 10km Winners
| Place | Name | Time | Money / Prize |
| 1st | Thobejane Mosale | 41:07 | R3000.00 |
| 2nd | Kgopotso Shokane | 41:01 | R1750.00 |
| 3rd | Unathi Sibanda | 51:57 | R1500.00 |
Leadership leading by example
The event saw strong solidarity from the university’s leadership, with members of the Management Executive Committee (MEC) trading their formal wear for running shoes. Among those on the track were UJ Registrar Ms. Bettine Van Vuuren, UJ Postgraduate School Senior Director Prof Wai Sze Leung, twin sisters Profs. Suzy and Victoria Graham, and Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi, among others.
Speaking shortly after completing the 5km walk, a beaming Prof. Mpedi emphasized the dual purpose of the initiative:
“This is about having fun and running for good health, while we simultaneously raise crucial funds for our students. I had a wonderful time, and the energy from everyone here today was incredible. This is just one of many fundraising events to come at UJ, and I look forward to welcoming back our staff, students, alumni, the local community, and families.”
Prof. Mpedi also extended his gratitude to the broader UJ ecosystem:
“Thank you very much to the participants who showed up in their numbers and the sponsors who fuel our initiatives. These events are only possible because of their unwavering support. We look forward to the next event as we go bigger and better on the 26th of September.”
Looking Ahead: bigger and better in September
The momentum from this sold-out success is already building toward the next iteration of the event on 26 September 2026. UJ Sport has confirmed that fitness and wellness giant Discovery Vitality will return as an official partner, building on the success of their collaboration in September 2025.
Follow UJ Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram for daily updates and entry links for this next edition in September 2026.
