Heroes in Running Shoes
Animals are the biggest winners of the Two Oceans Marathon this year thanks to the incredible compassion and commitment shown by our Team SPCA runners.
We are beyond proud of this team who raised over R400 000 to ensure that sick, injured, and vulnerable animals can access the care they need via our Animal Hospital and Mobile Clinics.
Our Animal Hospital is the only hope of thousands of pet owners when their companions are sick or injured. And for thousands more, who struggle with access to care, our mobile clinics are a lifeline. We are incredibly grateful to our TEAM SPCA Runners whose efforts will keep our hospital doors open, our theatre lights on and our mobile clinics moving.
— Belinda Abraham, Spokesperson, Cape of Good Hope SPCA
One Woman. Two Races. Endless Compassion.
Among this year’s extraordinary participants was Nikki Parker, a Cape Town-based sports physiotherapist and lifelong animal lover who pushed the limits of her endurance to maximise her impact.
Nikki didn’t just take on the challenge of the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon (56km) or the Half Marathon (21km). She ran both—back to back, clocking a total of 77 kilometers to ensure that animals can get help when and where they need it.
While only a small group of elite runners have ever attempted this, Nikki didn’t do it for the accolades, but for a cause that’s been close to her heart for a lifetime.
“I’ve had a lifelong love and connection with animals,” Nikki shared. “Over the last 14 years, I’ve poured that same passion into running, completing numerous Ultra-Marathons, Marathons, and Half-Marathons. But this year, I wanted to go the extra mile for those who need us the most.”
And go the extra mile she did—quite literally! We are in awe of Nikki’s determination, grit, and above all, her immense heart.
Why It Matters
Thanks to all our runners, injured and sick stray animals get second chances at life and animals in underserved communities have continued access to:
Emergency and preventative veterinary care
Life-saving vaccinations and parasite control
Sterilisation to prevent unwanted puppies and kittens
Each rand raised supports the work of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Animal Hospital—the largest of its kind in the Western Cape—which treated 48,223 animals last year alone, and our four Mobile Clinics that brought essential care to an additional 16,583 animals.
Thank You TEAM SPCA
You conquered the climbs, pushed through the cramps, beat the burn, and powered through the final stretch not for a medal but for the animals who can’t run from suffering.
You ran through pain so they wouldn’t have to. You turned kilometres into kindness.
You went the distance so they could have a future.
From our whole team — for every tail that can wag again, every healed paw, every second chance — we thank you.
A Special Thank You to Bravecto
Behind every Team SPCA runner who crossed the finish line was a silent hero—Bravecto.
Their support didn’t only put our runners at the starting line of the 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, it turned our runners into lifesavers.
Thank you Bravecto, for running the race to prevent animal suffering right alongside the SPCA’s mobile clinics, animal hosptial and our marathon runners. We couldn’t have done it without you.
