This year, the Cape Winelands town of Paarl will see challengers descend on it for the third time, on October 13, to take part in the biggest obstacle course race in the world.

The Fisherman’s Friend StrongmanRun is an international event that brings together thousands of participants from across the world to participate in the 8km, 15km or 21km runs. The event – which has the theme of ‘everyone being a hero’ – is about facing one’s fears, giving a helping hand and words of encouragement to fellow participants, and having fun.

The local community are also set to benefit from the event, with participants being asked to bring foodstuffs along on the day of the race. At the 2017 race, over 14 000 people were fed, and the goal for 2018 is 20 000. This was achieved with the help of Magda Se Sop Kombuis, which relies on support from the event organisers and other donations to secure food, clothing, nappies, and other basic necessities for underprivileged communities.

Ferdinand Rabie, winner of local television show Big Brother in 2002, was awarded the three-year licence to bring this popular event to Cape Town. Rabie’s efforts to market South Africa on all Fisherman’s Friend StrongmanRun’s platforms worldwide, are reaching international audiences across Switzerland, The Netherlands, Germany, Norway and Italy, amongst others.

Furthermore, The Great Escape has announced its support of the race in a different way: it has challenged the South African tourism industry to show support and a welcoming hand to Fisherman’s Friend StrongmanRun 2018 through participating in the fun and supporting ‘Run with a Child’.

Entries and donations close on August 31. More information can be found here, or email for further details.