When pictures of the iconic city marathons: London, New York, Tokyo are beamed around the world they invariably include an image of someone dressed in an improbable outfit, usually to raise money for a good cause.
At Cape Town's Twilight Team Run the idea of dressing up to support a cause has eclipsed any athletic pretensions the 31-year-old event may once have had. In fact prizes are awarded for the best outfit rather than fastest run.
Organised as a fundraising event by the Community Chest, it has somehow captured the imagination of Capetonians.
Company directors line up alongside refuse workers and accountants compete with nurses, factory workers and cleaners to get their outfits noticed. Families and friends join forces to enter teams as do schools, NGOs, municipal departments, large corporates and small businesses.
For many companies, the Twilight Team Run has become a de facto year-end event, marking the unofficial start of the festive season.
The money raised at the event is ploughed back into communities across the Western Cape. In all some 400 organisations benefit from the funding, ranging from those which care for the elderly to others working with very young and marginalised children.
This year's event takes place on Tuesday, 3 December. The entrance fee is R200 for a team, whether it comprises four or six members. Individuals can also enter at R50 each. There are no limits to the number of teams that companies can enter.
Registration can be done online at www.twilightrun.co.za or at 82 Bree Street Cape Town.
The Community Chest also offers hospitality sites for corporate hospitality or year-end events. These are available for R2000 each. Further information can be obtained at +27 (0)21 424 2244.
