Jozi gears up for the Rockies Gerald Fox Memorial Race with Vitality Run Series

One of Johannesburg’s most anticipated races is back this weekend as runners and walkers of all fitness levels gather for the Rockies Gerald Fox Memorial Race, part of the Vitality Run Series.

Race Details:
Date: Sunday, 13 July 2025
Start Time: From 07:30

Start Locations:
• 5 km – Zoo Lake Sports Club
• 10 km & 21.1 km – Jan Smuts Drive

Finish Line: Inside Johannesburg Zoo

Distances & Entry Fees:
• 21.1 km Half Marathon – 07:30 | R230
• 10 km – 07:30 | R175
• 5 km – 08:00 | R150

“The Vitality Run Series, South Africa’s most rewarding running and cycling club, continues to be a vibrant celebration of movement and community,” says Celeste Williams, Head of Marketing at Discovery Vitality. “Whether you're chasing a personal best or taking your first steps toward a healthier lifestyle, the series offers an inclusive, energising experience—backed by our commitment to making healthy living fun and rewarding.”

Join the movement, reap the rewards
Team Vitality members enjoy 25% back on entry fees for selected races and access to exclusive benefits, including:
• VIP hospitality at selected events
• Expert training tips
• Premium running kit every two years

Vitality members also earn bonus fitness points for completing the race:
• 5 km: 800 points (300 base + 500 bonus)
• 10 km: 1,100 points (600 base + 500 bonus)
• 21.1 km: 2,000 points (1,500 base + 500 bonus)

Ready to move? Join the Vitality Run Series in your area and help build a healthier, more active South Africa. See the full schedule here.

Williams adds: “At its heart, the award-winning Vitality Run Series—recognised with the Event Sponsorship Award at the 2024 Sports Industry Awards—is about inspiring South Africans to move more and live healthier lives. Backed by Discovery Vitality’s extensive research, the series highlights how regular physical activity can significantly improve physical health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and boost mental wellbeing. Through initiatives like this, Discovery Vitality continues to lead the charge in creating a healthier, more active nation—one race, one community, and one step at a time.

Give2Move: empowering movement through generosity
Participants at The Rockies Gerald Fox Memorial Race are encouraged to support Vitality Give2Move, a national campaign launched in February in partnership with Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. The initiative collects new or gently worn running shoes for under-resourced communities—removing barriers to movement and promoting physical activity for all.

“With Vitality Give2Move, we’re not just promoting physical activity—we’re helping more South Africans experience the joy of movement by providing access to something as simple, yet powerful, as a pair of running shoes,” says Williams.

Members of the public can make their shoe donations at various drop-off points including:
• Discovery offices nationwide
• Virgin Active gyms and selected Planet Fitness gyms
• Sportsmans Warehouse stores
• Discovery Soccer Parks
• Selected parkrun events

Members of the public who don't have a pair of sports shoes to donate can make a financial contribution that will go towards the purchasing a pair through Afrika Tikkun, a non-profit organisation.

South African schools step up
To mark Youth Month in June, Discovery Vitality rallied schools across the country to get involved in the initiative. South African primary and secondary schools across the country can donate gently worn running shoes, soccer boots or any other sports footwear between 1 June and 15 August. In recognition of their efforts, two schools will stand a chance to win R50,000 to support their own wellness and physical activity programmes.

How schools can get involved:
• Encourage your school to register for the #VitalityGive2Move initiative to receive a collection bin
• Drop off gently worn (or new) sports shoes at your school’s collection point
• Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to donate their shoes too, as every pair donated makes a difference!
• The two schools that collect the most shoes in their category will win R50,000! T&Cs apply.

To learn more about the Vitality Give2Move competition for schools, click here.