Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Pamela Dube, leading by example as she participates in the 5 km Fun Run during the second annual CUT Welkom Campus Road Race on 09 May 2026.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) successfully hosted the second annual Welkom Campus Road Race on 09 May 2026, drawing 240 participants from across the region and reaffirming the institution’s commitment to promoting wellness, active lifestyles, and meaningful community engagement.

Held on a crisp Saturday morning at the CUT Welkom Campus, the event attracted runners from the Free State, Gauteng, Northern Cape, Lesotho, and neighbouring communities, highlighting the growing regional appeal of the race. Participation increased significantly from the 180 runners who took part in the inaugural event in 2025, reflecting the momentum and enthusiasm surrounding the initiative.

Participants competed in three race categories:  the 21.1 km half marathon, 10 km road race, and 5 km fun run, with both the start and finish located on the CUT Welkom Campus grounds. Beyond the competitive aspect, the event created an opportunity to strengthen community ties through sport, health, and physical activity.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, joined staff, students, and community members in the 5 km fun run and described the event as far more than a sporting occasion.

“This race means a great deal to us. It brings together our community, staff, students, and surrounding stakeholders, united by a shared commitment to staying fit, warm, and healthy,” she said.

Prof. Dube emphasised that events of this nature align closely with the university’s commitment to wellness and meaningful engagement. “It is always a wonderful opportunity for the Welkom Campus community to come together and create meaningful partnerships. Engagement is very important, and events like these strengthen the fabric of who we are as an institution,” she added.

She further noted that her participation reflected the university leadership’s active support for campus initiatives. “Participating in this event demonstrates my full support for the initiative taking place here. This is a trend we want to establish; we want to see members of the executive team actively participating in events like these across both campuses,” she said.

Her involvement alongside students and staff reinforced CUT’s people-centred leadership approach and demonstrated the institution’s commitment to fostering a connected and engaged university community.

Top five- 10 km Road Race male finishers from left: Bakoena Khama, Eskom Athletics Club-5th, Bantubonke Derison, The Xtreme AC-4th, Sabata Khagane, Kemps Intensive Re-3rd, Nelson Katleho, Sasolburg AC- 2nd, and Anele Matsoso, Masai AC-1^st. 

Mr MJ Mokati, Athletics Coach and Sports Forum Champion at CUT Welkom Campus, highlighted the broader significance of the race beyond athletics. “The purpose of this race is to promote sport and athletics at CUT, while also making the broader community aware of the extracurricular activities taking place at our institution. It also serves as an important fundraising platform for athletics, enabling us to meet our operational needs and continue growing the programme,” he said.

The event also received support from the wider athletics fraternity. Mr David Koloane, Chairperson of the Athletic Free State Road Running Commission, attended in his capacity as a federation representative, acknowledging the successful organisation and vibrant atmosphere of the race. “The atmosphere was vibrant. The traffic management, the organisation, and the overall experience were excellent. As a federation, our role is to support affiliated clubs and institutions and ensure that events of this nature are well-run and competitive,” he said.

Learners from local schools also participated, bringing youthful energy and enthusiasm to the occasion and reinforcing CUT’s role as an active partner within the Welkom community.

Runners set off at the start of the 21.1 km half-marathon during the second annual CUT Welkom Campus Road Race.

The success of the event was made possible through the support of sponsors, including FNB, Old Mutual, and Telkom, whose contributions reflect a shared commitment to community wellness and the development of sport.

As CUT continues to advance its Vision 2030 strategy, which places students and communities at the centre of institutional growth, the Welkom Campus annual Road Race remains a meaningful expression of this vision in action. The event stands as a celebration of wellness, connection, and belonging within the broader CUT community.