Cape Town's 43rd annual Toy Run: a celebration of generosity and community spirit
Be at Killarney on Sunday, 30 November, and don’t forget to bring your toys.
Image: Supplied: Killarney International Raceway
Cape Town’s festive cheer is set to arrive earlier than usual this year, as the City’s Fire and Rescue Service once again throws its weight behind one of the most anticipated charity events on the calendar: the 43rd annual Toy Run.
The event will take place on Sunday, 30 November 2025 and will once again transform Killarney International Raceway into a hub of generosity, community spirit and early festive magic. Firefighters will join thousands of bikers and members of the public in delivering joy to underprivileged children across the Western Cape.
Organisers say they are thrilled to mark the event’s 43rd anniversary with free entry to the event arena. All that’s required is a toy or gift to donate.
While participants must register to enter the arena or join the mass ride, the aim remains simple: bring a toy, bring some joy, and be part of one of South Africa’s most powerful charity traditions.
The Toy Run is known as the country’s largest motorcycle charity ride, with tens of thousands of bikes gathering annually near the end of November to deliver hope to children in need.
This year’s mass ride will depart from two start points: Athlone Stadium (gathering from 09:00, leaving at 10:30) and N1 City Top Deck (gathering from 09:00, leaving at 10:00). Riders will make their way to Killarney, where a full day of entertainment, displays and community celebration awaits.
Members of the public who are not riding are welcome to head straight to the main event at Killarney to see the motorcycles and enjoy the festivities all for free, with a donated toy as their “ticket”.
Attendees can expect live performances from Akkedis, Llevado and The John’s, along with bike and car displays, multiple bars, a beer garden, food vendors, market stalls and more. Anyone wishing to trade at the event can apply through the organisers.
In the week leading up to the event, Cape Town’s Fire Stations are serving as donation drop-off points for the public. Residents can drop off new or good-quality pre-loved toys at any station’s watch room at any time with the exception of the Lakeside Fire Station, which remains closed for renovations.
“Everything we collect at our fire stations will be loaded onto one of our fire engines and taken to Killarney as part of the procession,” said Jermaine Carelse of the City’s Fire and Rescue Service. “We had a very good response last year, and we are hopeful that Cape Town will rise to the occasion once more.”
Organisers emphasise that the need this year is great “lots more toys” are needed to reach the many children in homes, orphanages, places of safety, hospitals and disadvantaged communities that rely on the Toy Run’s donations each year.
Those unable to attend the event can still contribute by donating funds or purchasing a virtual toy, with all proceeds going towards buying additional gifts for children across the province.
Excess funds from the event will support the Toy Run Charity’s broader projects and help extend the reach of its annual efforts.