Look out for Gavin running the KZN coast this winter

If you’re travelling along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline between 28 June and 12 July 2026, keep your eyes on the road for one determined runner clocking up kilometres for a powerful cause.

Meet Gavin Skevington (43), a Durban North local and Director of Sport at Northlands Primary School, who is taking on an extraordinary challenge: Around 650km in 15 days, running from Port Edward all the way to the Kosi Bay/Mozambique border post.

That’s nearly a marathon a day.

The initiative, called Run The Coast 2026, aims to raise R50 000 per charity for five selected organisations, with a total target of R250 000. For Gavin, this isn’t just about distance; it’s about purpose.

The charity route

Gavin sets off from C H Mitchell Bridge in Port Edward on Sunday, 28 June, and will spend the next two weeks making his way north along KZN’s coastline, finishing at the Ponto border post on 12 July.

The run will take place on roads (mostly quieter backroads) rather than the beach, covering towns, rural stretches and coastal communities along the way.

Why he’s doing it

Having participated in charity events before, Gavin says he wanted to do something bigger, something that would truly inspire action and create meaningful impact.

While he has no formal affiliation with the five charities he’s supporting, he says he feels strongly about the causes they represent and deeply respects the work they do in their communities. After engaging with each organisation, he knew this was the right way to channel his energy and platform. The charities include:

• The Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC)
• Sithanda Upliftment Projects
• Paw Prints
• Project Rhino 
• The Jes Foord Foundation

How you can support

There are plenty of ways to get involved:

• Donate via www.runthecoast.co.za 
• Sponsor a day of the run (companies and individuals welcome, Ts & Cs apply)
• Follow the journey on Instagram: Run The Coast 2026
• Email: info@runthecoast.co.za 

And if you happen to see Gavin out on the road — possibly digging deep through the winter miles — give him a hoot, a wave or a cheer. Sometimes, the smallest show of support can carry someone the longest way.

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