Walk, run, ride and swim in solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence
A humble yet determined movement of slow-burn
solidarity – moving since 2020
Blocktober brings people together every October to walk, run or ride to the King’s Blockhouse on Table Mountain, Cape Town, or elsehwere, to swim, or to complete a local equivalent. Link up with and support an organisation near you dealing with gender-based violence.
The aim is simple: solidarity with survivors,
awareness of gender-based violence and practical fundraising for survivor
support.
Plan your activities using the Roster
The 2026 Activity Roster lists the activities planned for October 2026 and lets you add your name. More people participating and knowing who plans to participate means better group safety. Further activities will be added when arranged, so check again through the month.
Using a phone? When you click on the ROSTER link above, you may need to open or install the free Google Sheets app, and sign in, before you add your name.
Need help?
Whatsapp:
- Join the Whatsapp Group linked to your activity, for updates and to chat with others;
- Join the General Blocktober WhatsApp group for Blocktober news and to share photos.
Activity options: Cape Town
WALKS
- Blocktober walks to the King’s Blockhouse in Cape Town take place from Chelmsford Road, Vredehoek, with additional Sunday Solidarity hikes with survivors and Saturday special events from Rhodes Memorial.
- For the latest walk dates, times and meeting details, see the Blocktober Activity Roster. If more activities are added, you’ll find them on the roster.
- Join the Blocktober Walks WhatsAppgroup for updates, logistics and chats.
- Walk coordinators:
- Weekdays and Sundays: Clare Verbeek +27 72 338 1933.
- Saturdays: David Schmidt +27 82 853 2069.
RUNS
- Blocktober runs include the Tuesday Blockheads time trials from the Vredehoek area to the King’s Blockhouse and back, as well as a slower runner option.
- For the latest run dates, times and meeting details, see the Blocktober Activity Roster. If more activities are added, you’ll find them on the roster.
- Join the Tuesday Blockheads Time Trial WhatsAppgroup for updates, logistics and chats.
- Paul Jacobs: +27 83 708 3678.
- For the slower runner option and general Blocktober updates, join the general Blocktober WhatsAppgroup.
- Slower runner option: Janeen de Klerk +27 82 415 4753.
RIDES
- Blocktober rides to the King’s Blockhouse in Cape Town take place both from Rhodes Memorial and Vredehoek.
- For the latest ride dates, times, route and meeting details, see the Blocktober Activity Roster. If more activities are added, you’ll find them on the roster.
- Join the general Blocktober WhatsAppgroup for ride updates.
- Jean du Plessis: +27 82 317 7148.
SWIMS
- Read more about Blocktober swims here.
- The swim programme is on the Blocktober Activity Roster. If more swims are added you’ll find them on the Roster.
- Join the Blocktober Swims WhatsApp group for updates, logistics and chats.
Activity options: elsewhere
NAIROBI, KENYA
- Nairobi / Karura Forest: join Kenyan Blocktober leader Sam Kagiri samkizarts.ke@gmail.com
- For the latest run dates, times and meeting details of Karura cycle rides, see the Blocktober Activity Roster. If more activities are added, you’ll find them on the roster.
- Join the Blocktober Nairobi WhatsApp group for updates, logistics and chats.
LOCAL EQUIVALENT ELSEWHERE
- Can’t join on Table Mountain or in Nairobi? Move wherever you are. Aim for about 300 m ascent over 7.5 km - or swim between 31 seconds and 31 minutes in the Ocean or 31 laps in the pool.
- To record individual Blocktober activities, not part of the pre-planned group activities, please join a Blocktober Strava Club, and post pictures on the general Blocktober Whatsapp group.
CAMINO BLOCKTOBER
This year Blocktober walkers are doing the 320 km Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
To report an incident of abuse in South Africa, call
- the Saartjie Baartman’s WhatsApp number 076 470 9314
- Rape Crisis: 021 447 9762
- Lifeline: 0800 150 150
- Childline: 0800 05 55 55 (24h) or
- the National Shelter Movement Helpline: 0800 001 005
