Cape Town Marathon: how Francois van Coke overcame gale-force winds to run anyway

When the Cape Town Marathon was cancelled due to gale-force winds, thousands of runners were left disappointed.

For most, that meant heading home and letting the day go. However, for Francois van Coke, the frontman of Fokofpolisiekar, it meant lacing up his running shoes anyway.

Van Coke decided to run 42 kilometres on his own and set himself a challenge: to raise R1 for every metre that he ran, aiming for a total of R42,000 for Breadline Africa, a non-profit organisation that builds early childhood education facilities across South Africa.

The funds will help create a safe playground at ATKV Abbasorg Educare Centre in Cloetesville, where children can play, climb and explore freely.

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

On the day of the marathon, instead of giving up, Van Coke ran through the suburbs. For him, the cancellation sparked a new idea rather than ending his plans.

“On November 6, 2025, the day of the official handover of the new centre, I will be running from Bellville to Cloetesville, to keep the momentum going,” he said.

“A huge thanks to everyone who’s already helped me reach around 40% of my goal. Your support means the world and is what keeps me going. Let’s cross that finish line together.”

Support has already begun pouring in. Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels surprised him with a R10,000 donation toward his fundraising goal. Since then, he has raised an additional R9,000.

Van Coke described the moment the marathon was cancelled as a shock.

“I was very disappointed, obviously. I trained a lot, felt very ready, strong and amped for the marathon. Also disappointed that I couldn't run to raise the money I still needed to raise for Abbasorg.”

The cause was personal for him.

“I have two little kids and I see their needs, and because I love them so much and they enrich my life, I am very stoked to help and improve the lives of other kids in any way,” he said.

Although the solo run was fun, Van Coke admitted that it would have been more meaningful to complete the marathon itself.

“No, the solo run was fun, but it would have meant much more to do the Cape Town Marathon properly.”

His choice of fundraising partner was intentional.

“I have worked with Breadline Africa a few times to help raise funds for their projects. I was approached by someone involved with them, and I immediately knew that I could connect with their work. If I can help a child in any small way, I feel very lucky too.”

Outside of music, running has been a consistent part of Van Coke’s life for more than a decade. He began running long distances during the Covid-19 pandemic and continued with marathons afterwards.

“It is something I need in my life at the moment. It is freedom and peace for a few hours a week. I run whenever I can while on tour. I have been lucky enough to run in New Zealand, Australia, China, England and the Netherlands this year. It is also a great way to see a city.”