Marissa Groenewald, the only women in history who has skipped her way towards the Comrades Marathon finish line, is coming to the Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) Women’s Connect Women’s Day celebration on August 21 hoping to raise awareness of the threat of s to women’s safety through human trafficking.
Groenewald is known worldwide as The Rope Runner after she created a new sport in 2024 called rope running, which combines skipping and running.
Since then, she has set three world records, including completing a full marathon, the Two Oceans Marathon, and most recently, the 2025 Comrades Marathon, a world first.
Her remarkable achievements have captured attention across SA South Africa and are gaining global recognition.
She never intended to skip and run marathons; her journey began while recovering from an injury. “I heard skipping was a great form of fitness. I tried running and skipping together and thought it was a thing, which it wasn’t, but it just grew from there: 2km, 5km, 10km, and eventually marathons,” she Groenewald said.
Marissa recalls. Her unique athletic style drew curiosity, and with it, the perfect platform for advocacy.
Groenewald’s mission goes beyond sport because she’s using her platform to raise awareness about human trafficking.
Years ago, her mother worked with an organisation in Asia that tracked down and rescued survivors of trafficking. “It planted seeds in my heart,” she said. “When I needed to choose a cause, there was nothing else for me to do but shed light on human trafficking. It’s such an under-communicated major issue in SA South Africa and globally.”
BKCOB Women’s Connect chairlady Tamrynn Roos said Groenewald’s story was an instant fit for the event because of her passion and resilience.
Groenewald hopes to inspire women to see beyond their circumstances. “I want to plant seeds of hope, that anything is possible, and to encourage women to change lives and the lives of others, with what they have in their hands.
“The end goal is protecting and saving lives. Every step and every hour of awareness can save a victim or protect them from trafficking. That’s what keeps me going, even when it’s hard.”
Roos said that the event is also about building community. “We are the women of the Border Kei region, trailblazers in our communities. If we work together and support one another, we can accelerate the change we all wish to see.”
The Women’s Day lunch will also support the Bosom Box initiative, which provides bras to young women in need. Mammogram bookings will be available through Radhiant Diagnostic Group.
“This awareness initiative gives women a voice and a platform to connect,” Roos said. “It builds stronger, more inclusive communities.”
The event will be held at the Summit Lifestyle Event Center. Tickets are R350 for members and R450 for non-members. , with Bookings closeing tomorrow (August 15). Guests are encouraged to donate bring bras for donation.
For bookings, contact Volenti at members@bkcob.co.za or call 043-743-8438.
