A Decade of Orangeness, Spirit, and Sneaky Hills
There are road races—and then there’s Ommiedraai.
If you’ve ever toed the start line of this iconic 10km, you’ll know it’s more than just another Sunday morning trot. It’s an experience, a vibe, a celebration of community and running camaraderie that feels as warm and familiar as a Cape Town sunrise. On Sunday, 12 October, the Ommiedraai 10km marked its 10th anniversary—ten years of blazing orange spirit, laughter, and some of the most memorable post-race treats in the running calendar.
For many of us, Ommiedraai isn’t optional—it’s compulsory fun. The race is a permanent fixture on the calendar, one of those must-do events you block out months in advance. You don’t ask whether you’re running Ommies; you ask who’s giving you a lift there.
The Soul of the Ommiedraai Running Club
To understand why this race hits differently, you need to know a bit about the club behind it. The Ommiedraai Friends Athletic Club—affectionately known as “Ommies”—isn’t your typical running outfit. Their motto, “Orangeness Personified,” isn’t just a clever tagline. It’s a whole mood, a movement, a bright burst of optimism that spills out of every corner of their community.
Founded in the heart of the southern suburbs, Ommiedraai has built its reputation on inclusivity, kindness, and the ability to throw a mean post-race party. They’re the club that cheers the loudest for everyone—their runners, your runners, runners they’ve just met, even the walkers bringing it home. That kind of energy doesn’t just lift spirits; it defines the atmosphere of Cape Town’s running scene.
At the heart of it all is their famously eccentric and endlessly energetic chairman, Uncle Shamiegh Allie—the orange flame that never goes out. You’ll spot him before you hear him: loud, proud, and always in motion, rallying his runners with a grin that says, “Let’s make some magic.” He’s part ringleader, part motivator, part stand-up comedian, and completely Ommiedraai. Under his guidance, the club has grown into one of the most recognisable—and most loved—running families in the Western Cape.
Ten Years of Joy in Motion
The 2025 edition wasn’t just any Ommies race—it was the 10th anniversary. Ten years of orange shirts blazing through the suburbs, of runners discovering their love for 10km, of high-fives, selfies, and sweaty hugs at the finish line.
From its humble beginnings, the Ommiedraai 10km has blossomed into one of the most well-organised and well-supported events on the calendar. This year, they pulled out all the stops. The first 1000 entries each got a fantastic goodie bag, packed with enough treats to make even the most jaded runner smile. Luckily, Chucky and I managed to snag one each—small victories matter when you’ve hauled yourself out of bed at 5 a.m. on a Sunday.
The vibe at the start was pure Ommies: music pumping, runners laughing, that buzz of anticipation that only happens when you know you’re part of something special. It wasn’t just another start line—it was a reunion, a celebration, a birthday party in motion. Everywhere you looked, there was orange: shirts, buffs, tutus, even shoelaces. The club had truly painted the city in its trademark hue.
The Route: Familiar Suburbs, Fresh Challenge
Just to keep things interesting, this year’s route had a few changes—and by “interesting,” I mean “tricky in that sneaky Ommies way.” The first 2.5km lulled us into a false sense of security. It was smooth sailing through the friendly streets, with locals cheering from their gates and marshals shouting encouragement in that uniquely Capetonian blend of sass and sincerity.
Then came the hills.
Nothing brutal, mind you—just those sneaky little rises that creep up on you, nibbling away at your pace and reminding you that this is still Cape Town, where even the suburbs have bite. Around the 3km mark, the gradient kicked in, and by 5km the chatter had quieted to the sound of shoes slapping tar and rhythmic breathing. But that’s part of what makes Ommiedraai so satisfying—it’s a proper run, not a flat-out sprint, and you earn your medal honestly.
The back half of the course was classic Ommies—rolling terrain, cheerful water tables, and enough cheering to make you forget your quads were on fire. Every marshal seemed to be an honorary DJ, dancer, or cheerleader. There’s a distinct rhythm to this race, a mix of gospel energy and carnival chaos that somehow makes even the toughest patches feel lighter.
The Finish Line That Feels Like Home
Crossing the Ommiedraai finish line isn’t just about stopping your watch—it’s about stepping into a full-blown celebration. There’s laughter, music, selfies galore, and that unmistakable hum of contented exhaustion. The medal—shiny and commemorative for the 10th year—felt extra special this time around.
But the real cherry (or should I say, popsicle) on top? The ice lolly waiting at the finish. Honestly, nothing tastes as good as an ice-cold lolly after 10km of heat, hills, and hustle. It’s one of those small touches that define this race—thoughtful, refreshing, and just a little cheeky. The Ommies know runners, and they know exactly how to keep us smiling.
As I stood there with medal in one hand and a melting lolly in the other, surrounded by runners of every pace and every club, I couldn’t help thinking: this is why we do it. Not just for the PBs or the Strava kudos, but for mornings like this—where community and movement collide in a blur of orange and joy.
Why Ommiedraai Is a Must-Run
Every club in Cape Town has its own flavour, but Ommiedraai has something more—a heartbeat that pulses through every aspect of their event. You feel it at registration, at the start line, in the grins of the marshals, and in the post-race chatter. The club doesn’t just host a race; they create an experience.
And the best part? It’s open to everyone. Whether you’re a sub-40 speedster or a Sunday stroller, you’re part of the family the moment you show up. That’s the true magic of Ommiedraai—their ability to make every runner feel seen, celebrated, and welcome. It’s what turns a 10km run into a full-blown festival of movement.
The race also reflects what running is really about: connection. It’s about showing up, sharing the road, swapping stories, and finding joy in the small things—a cheer from a stranger, a sunrise over the city, a frozen treat after a hard push.
Ommiedraai captures all of that and wraps it in a bright orange bow.
A Decade Down, Many More to Go
Ten years is a milestone worth celebrating, and the 2025 Ommiedraai 10km did it in style.
From the perfectly organised logistics to the electric vibe and the generous goodie bags, it was another flawless showcase of what this club stands for—heart, humour, and humanity.
As for the future? You can bet the next decade will only get brighter, louder, and more orange. Because that’s Ommiedraai for you—never content to just repeat success, always looking to make the next run even more unforgettable.
So here’s to Uncle Shamiegh and his unstoppable crew of Orangeness Personified. Here’s to the sneaky hills that keep us humble, the ice lollies that keep us happy, and the runners who keep coming back, year after year. The Ommiedraai 10km isn’t just a race—it’s a love letter to running, to community, and to that wonderful madness that keeps us lacing up our shoes again and again.
And as long as they keep painting the streets orange, you’ll find me there—trotting through the suburbs, grinning like a fool, medal in hand, and a lolly dripping down my wrist. Because some races you run.
This one—you feel.
LOVE this ❤️
You couldn’t have said it better 👏👏👏
Love ❤️ this. Well written blog 👏
A write-up that encapsulates the spirit of the day beautifully! ❤️…A morning of boundless energy, camaraderie and community spirit, mixed with characteristic juicy, orangey squirts of joy known as Ommies! Always a great mix of fun, challenge and connection, and doubly so with their 10th anniversary run! A huge shoutout to Ommies and this blog who know what true gees is!