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Tshwane, South Africa – In celebration of its 90th birthday, Sappi is giving back where it matters most – to students. Investing in the next generation of leaders. As the title sponsor of the Sappi Tuks Night Race, Sappi has announced that 20 students who enter the 2026 race will each receive a R4500 bursary to support their academic journey. (T’s and C’s apply).
This initiative, valued at R90 000 forms part of Sappi’s 90th birthday celebrations. This youth-focused initiative is more than a giveaway. It reflects the powerful alignment between two long-term strategies: Sappi’s Vision as articulated through its Thrive Strategy, and the University of Pretoria’s Thrive UP 2038 strategy. Both are built on a shared commitment to growing people, fostering sustainability, protecting the planet, enabling communities to thrive and opening educational and research possibilities.
“Sappi’s Vision, which is at the heart of our Thrive Strategy, is about creating a thriving world by unlocking the power of renewable resources, and more importantly, empowering people,” says Michelle Le Roux, Public Relations and Marketing Lead, Sappi Southern Africa.
“That vision aligns naturally with the University of Pretoria’s Thrive UP 2038 strategy, which champions sustainable, inclusive growth and student success. Celebrating 90 years by investing in 20 students through the Sappi Tuks Night Race is Thrive in action.”
“This partnership goes beyond a race,” says Steven Ball, Director TuksSport and Acting CEO, HPC. “Thrive UP 2038 is about ensuring our students thrive academically, physically and socially. Sappi’s Thrive Strategy speaks the same language. Through the Sappi Tuks Night Race, we are creating a platform where wellness meets opportunity – where a night run can light up both the campus and a student’s academic future.”
How it Works
Who Qualifies: Any registered UP-Tuks Student who enters the Sappi Tuks Night Race.
What to do:
● Purchase an entry to the 2026 Sappi Tuks Night Race
● Complete the race and collect your race medal
● Post a medal photo to social media. Follow and tag TuksSport and use the #SappiTuksNightRace
● Visit the Sappi Activation tent on race day and take a photo with a Sappi Volunteer
● Present a valid student card at the Sappi Activation tent
● Enter your details and upload the required photos and proof of student at the Sappi Activation tent.
Race Details
Date: 9 September 2026
Venue: Hillcrest Sports Campus, University of Pretoria
Start Time: 18:30
Entries: Now open on Entry Ninja
Enter today and run the night. Own the light. Live the Tuks Experience.
About UP Thrive 2038
Thrive UP 2038 is the strategic roadmap for the University of Pretoria (UP) running from 2026 to its 130th anniversary. It focuses on people, protecting the planet, and opening educational and research possibilities.
Core Goals of Thrive UP 2038
● Build a people-centred university where staff and students succeed.
● Advance impact-driven research for real-world solutions.
● Prepare future-fit graduates for a changing world.
● Practice sustainability to protect the planet.
● Drive positive change in local and global societies
About the Sappi Tuks Night Race
The Sappi Tuks Night Race is Pretoria’s premier night running experience, combining sport, neon, music and community on the University of Pretoria’s Hillcrest Sports Campus.
About TuksSport
TuksSport, the Sport Department at the University of Pretoria, has positioned itself, both locally and internationally, as a leader in the fields of participation in sport and managing and coaching sport. We offer a professional home for athletes and volunteers who participate in our programmes. As a catalyst for the development of sport, TuksSport adds value and contributes towards sustainable sport programmes for the broader South African community.
With a diverse range of over 30 sporting codes, our campus offers something for everyone. Whether you are a beginner seeking to explore a new sport or an athlete with a high-level profile, our home provides exceptional sporting opportunities worldwide.
We not only focus on top performers but also on club contestants and recreational participants. The high-performance programme provides services that range from scientific and medical to sports testing, fitness, technical and tactical expertise, sports injuries, and sport psychology support.
INFO SUPPLIED.