What started as one runner’s personal routine has grown into a Friday morning gathering where everyone, from beginners to seasoned runners feel at home.
Johannesburg, South Africa (07 April 2026) – What began as a quiet Friday morning routine has grown into something far more meaningful. For Natasha Donnelly, the journey of the PPT Social Run didn’t start with a grand plan. In fact, it started during a very personal season of her life.
“At the time, I was more into cycling, but it got too cold, so I started running by myself. One of the girls said, ‘Don’t run alone, come join us.’”
That first run was an unforgettable experience for Natasha. And not because of pace or performance, but because of how it felt.
“I remember thinking I felt out of place because I’m not really a runner. But as we started running and talking, there were no expectations. It was just about connecting, engaging and I immediately felt it.”
From that moment, she kept coming back and what was a simple idea developed into something much bigger.
“I said, why don’t we make this bigger? Not in a complicated way. Just let people know we’re running, and we’ll have coffee afterwards.”
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Partnering with a local coffee spot, the group asked for nothing more than an earlier opening time, and from 15 runners it went to a weekly gathering of nearly 200. But for Natasha, the numbers are not what define PPT.
“It’s difficult to explain, but it’s more than a club,” she says. “It’s a community initiative. It’s a feeling. People come here because they’re looking for something they don’t find elsewhere, that sense of belonging.”
Every Friday before sunrise, people of all ages and fitness levels arrive. It could be runners, walkers, beginners, seasoned athletes, even children before school and grandparents joining in. That sense of inclusivity has also created space for deeply meaningful moments.
One example is Jay-Dee, who joined the run in her wheelchair without any announcement or special arrangement.
“She just arrived one day, and that’s what made it so powerful,” Natasha says. “We never wanted to make it a ‘thing’. She felt comfortable enough to just show up.”
From there, the community stepped in by helping where needed, even arranging a ramp to make the route more accessible.
The same spirit carried into fundraising efforts, where the group raised close to R200,000 to support both Jay-Dee and another member, Bill, with equipment.
And while expansion is exciting, PPT’s mission remains simple.
“As long as it’s about the people, and there’s good coffee,” she smiles, “then we’re happy.”
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