South Coast 2026

Cade, the video guy here.

When was the last time you had a really good memory? Why did that memory stick? Like a great piece of art in a beautiful home, it brings warmth — and it's often a conversation starter.

When we say yes to things out of the usual, or the ordinary, those are the memories that tend to stick out.

I was somewhat familiar with YL as a whole going into this trip. But I feel as though I was able to come in with an outsider's perspective.

What I got to witness is people living in the mission that God has given them. Living in their true identity and not their false! Here's a few examples:

Casey Prescott — a humble leader and amazing communicator.

Alex — bringing energy. Glue guy.

Tina and Joe — the servers of the group who make those around them feel special by the way they serve behind the scenes.

Stha — has such a great heartbeat for what's going on in the community, not just on the YL side but also places to see and do!

Luthando — bringing in young energy that's palpable and inspiring.

To those that joined on the trip to just support and be a part of what the Lord is doing — Sloane, Andy, Lynn…

And lastly, Hadley — a person who will take the reins and run with it full sprint.

I could go on and on about everyone and how I witnessed them in their true identity, but you can just ask me if you'd like to know.

What the Lord has revealed to me on this trip is what can happen when a group of individuals who live in their true identity come together. You have those that have been blessed with resources, who give to make this trip happen. You have the runners that give an edge to encourage folks to give. You have Alexis, Jackie, and all the YL staff in South Africa who make themselves available to the communities and to us!

My takeaway from this trip? We need more people living in their true identity. This is the type of thing that sends 1,000 kids to camp and gives runners the chance to experience a new marathon. A win-win. Boom Baby!

When that happens, the kingdom of God grows. And that — that is what I want to be a part of. That is the piece of artwork that sticks out.

So my challenge to you? Don't live in fear. If you have that gut feeling that is countercultural — do it. Go create noteworthy artwork experiences. You'd be surprised at what the Lord can do with that.

— Cade Estes, Videographer, South Coast 2026.

Today was the day we ran the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. All 11 of us finished strong — for something bigger than ourselves.

Getting to run through this beautiful and diverse city of Cape Town was something I will always cherish. The encouragement from our whole team was so appreciated. It felt like I had family with me throughout the whole race. They all exerted so much energy just to get a high five in or say hi. I will always cherish this race because of that love from our team.

The race inevitably became difficult and lonely, but Psalm 46:5 served as consistent motivation: “God is within her, she will not fall.” I'm so thankful my body was able to complete such a difficult task and that God gave me the strength to do it.

Knowing that our efforts are sending 1,000 kids in Africa to Young Life camp is worth all the leg cramps and blisters. Our God is good. Our community is good. And Young Life is good. I'll always look back on this experience with a smile on my face.

— Riley Fairchild, Marathon Runner, South Coast 2026.

Today was one of those days that I know I'll remember for a long time. While 11 people from our team ran the Cape Town Marathon, six of us got to be their support crew for the entire race. We rented bikes and spent the whole day riding all around the city — over 30 miles — cheering people on, handing out fuel and water, filming moments, encouraging runners when they were struggling, and celebrating with them when they crossed the finish line.

What stood out to me most was how meaningful it felt to simply come alongside and support other people. We weren't the ones running the marathon, but getting to walk beside our teammates through both the highs and lows felt so meaningful. There were moments where people were exhausted, discouraged, hurting, or doubting if they could keep going, and it reminded me so much of how the Lord meets us in our own weakness.

Watching people press on, fight through the pain, and keep moving forward felt like such a real picture of James 1 — “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds” — because God uses challenges to grow perseverance and strengthen our faith. What was especially inspiring was how joyful our runners remained throughout the entire day. Even when they were tired, cramping, or struggling mentally, they continued smiling, encouraging each other, thanking us for supporting them, and choosing joy in the middle of the difficulty. It reminded me that joy isn't about circumstances being easy, but about trusting God and continuing forward even when things are hard.

I kept thinking about how God calls us to encourage one another and carry each other's burdens. Today felt like a real example of that. Sometimes ministry looks like standing on the sidelines cheering someone on. Sometimes it looks like handing someone what they need exactly when they need it. Sometimes it's just showing up consistently and being there for people through whatever they're walking through — reminding people they're not alone.

One of the coolest parts of the day was getting to talk to people around the city about why we were there. People would see us filming, biking around, or cheering loudly and ask questions, which opened doors to share about the mission trip, Young Life, and ultimately Jesus. It was such a reminder that ministry isn't limited to planned conversations or church buildings — God can use something as simple as a marathon to spark conversations and plant seeds.

By the end of the day, we were completely exhausted, sunburnt, sweaty, and sore — but so full of gratitude. I saw the Lord moving in our team today through encouragement, endurance, joy, and community. Today reminded me that supporting others and pointing people to Jesus is always worth it.

— Sloane Scharold, Support Crew, South Coast 2026.

Our runners are ready!

We took a step back from activities today to let our runners prepare and rest — and it was exactly what we needed.

Our entire team started the morning with a beautiful Discovery Bible Study and worship led by Alexis, processing everything we have been seeing and experiencing over the last few days. What has the Lord been teaching us through our friends and the ministry here in South Africa? That question brought out so much from our group — gratitude, wonder, and a deepened sense of purpose.

We all came together again tonight for a last celebration dinner before the race tomorrow morning. It is incredible to see how unified our group has become in just a few short days. We talked about how easy it is to be together with people when you all come to realize that no matter where you live or what you do, we all worship the same God under the same heaven.

Casey sent us off with a charge to carry into tomorrow: James 1:2 tells us to consider it all joy when we face trials — and tomorrow, we are going to do exactly that. We may be physically hurting. We may feel like quitting. But we are going to consider it all joy, run with everything we have, and remember why we are here.

Over and OUT — see y'all past the FINISH LINE! 🎉

— Hadley Carmichael, Marathon Runner, South Coast 2026.

Yesterday was a day filled with activity, beauty, and new experiences. We started the morning on a bus tour through Cape Town, making our way to Clifton, the overlook at Chapman's Peak, and Simon's Town to see the penguins, where we also stopped for lunch.

Every part of the day carried so much beauty, history, and newness. Seeing the Lord's creation in a different part of the world, surrounded by different people and cultures, felt incredibly special and grounding.

I felt grateful for the opportunity to learn, experience, and see new things that broaden my perspective and deepen my appreciation for the world and the people within it.

— Estibaliz Gonzalez, Marathon Runner, South Coast 2026.

This afternoon we spent time with an incredible group of YL volunteer leaders who are full of passion, drive and commitment to reach the next kid for Christ! We had a little worship — incredible harmonies, testimonies from 3 leaders, and a lesson in Christian leadership from Dr. Andy. It was powerful!

During our time together, the volunteer leaders and our friends prayed for the runners — every ligament, tendon and muscle fiber — for the race on Sunday. I'm not alone in thinking it was time to hit the pavement NOW! Why wait till Sunday?!

On our way back, the bus dropped all the runners off at the expo held inside DHL Stadium, which once hosted a World Cup final match. Excitement built as we made our way through packet pickup and the vendor area. I think we're ALL getting pumped to run this race — not for our own glory, but to bring attention and funds to send teens to YL Camp in Africa. What a gift to use the skills and drive God has given each runner to bring glory to His kingdom and purpose!

— Jennifer Baker, Marathon Runner, South Coast 2026.

Thursday morning started off at 6:30 am where Hadley, Riley, Angela, Alex, Chris, and I met up outside to start our 4 mile shakeout run. The morning was full of mist with moderate temperatures. We ran the same route as Wednesday morning! The ocean walkway had other fellow runners and walkers starting their day in a similar fashion. We shared some laughs along the way and ended at the same coffee shop, Native. Hadley returned to the hotel for DBS while the rest of us partook in breakfast bagels and iced lattes!

After breakfast, it was a quick turn around to the bus for our trip to Table Mountain.

Fog still condensed the air as we started our journey up the mountain. Once we made it to the top, we got off the bus and entered the cable car. As we started moving, it began to spin so everyone could get a good view of the different angles. We were concerned about the fog, but about half way up, we broke through the clouds and the sun appeared. The view was breathtaking! An endless sea of clouds with mountains in the background. It was a whole different experience at the top. We took a group photo then had 45 minutes to explore. Words can't describe the scale and beauty. The sun was still low enough in the sky to create shadows on the distant mountain range. We took lots of pictures and videos.

Once we finished our exploration, we reconvened outside the gift shop where we prayed collectively for our family, friends, Young Life staff and students, and future schools that Young Life has the opportunity to reach. We raised our hands towards different locations to bless each one. Finally, we placed our hands on Alexis and Jackie, and Clinton prayed over their ministry and continued faithfulness. We then made our descent down the mountain, hopped in the bus, and took off for lunch — a morning to remember!

— Will Ivy, Marathon Runner, South Coast 2026.

First full day at Cape Town and it was the best way to start this time together!

We started the day with worship together, and then got to head to a local township to visit a local Campaigners group. By far, the best part was getting to spend time with and step into the world of our YL Africa Staff friends — they are faithful and present and joyful.

What a treat to know them and see the faces of the kids they are reaching daily!

— Angela Arias, Marathon Runner, South Coast 2026.

A 14.5-hour flight and thousands of miles later, we made it.

Cape Town, South Africa 🇨🇦

Even typing those words still feels a little surreal.

As we began our descent, Table Mountain came into view in the distance, and I felt chills run through my body. It was one of those moments where the months of planning, praying, training, texting, dreaming, and asking suddenly became real.

We were actually here.

What started as an idea a little over a year ago has now touched down in Cape Town with a team of 25 people. Eleven runners. Families. Friends. Young Life leaders. Storytellers. Supporters. People who said yes in different ways, from different places, all brought together for one shared purpose.

That part has humbled me the most.

This was never just about a marathon. It was never just about a trip. It was an idea that needed a team, and God has been gracious enough to gather one.

For the last several months, 11 of us have been training our bodies to run 26.2 miles through the streets of Cape Town. But so many others have been carrying this mission in ways just as meaningful — through prayer, generosity, encouragement, planning, relationships, logistics, and quiet faithfulness behind the scenes.

People flew in from all over the world to be in one place, for one mission: to be together, to experience the work God is doing through Young Life Africa, and to help more kids encounter the love and story of Jesus.

As we recover from the travel and begin to settle in, there is a deep sense of anticipation. We are tired, thankful, wide-eyed, and expectant. Already, we have been met with a kind of hospitality and welcome that is hard to fully put into words.

Now we wait with open hands.

Open to the culture.
Open to the stories.
Open to what God is doing here in Cape Town, throughout South Africa, and across the continent of Africa.
Open to what He wants to do through us — and maybe even more importantly, what He wants to do in us.

The work continues today and the adventure for the week awaits!

And somehow, in the middle of all of this, we still have to run a marathon.

Day 1. Over and out.

— Alex Widmer, Marathon Runner, South Coast 2026.

The marathon has always been a tough distance for me. It's a grueling long preparation process. I really prefer a 5K or a half-marathon. First off I usually am in a rhythm of running so I have some good base miles built up. So if all is well I can jump into a plan without a ton of stress and I can chase after a good time and effort. Since that base is there and I'm chasing a good time the race comes along and I can take long powerful strides. Like Ricky Bobby would say, “I want to go fast!” That's usually how I could tackle it.

The marathon though is such a different animal. No matter the base miles or conditioning you can't just tackle it with long powerful strides. You can't think you can gut it out and push it. If you do, you'll hit a wall or hurdle you can't jump. For me, the marathon has to be short, precise, and thoughtful strides.

South Coast was a project that started off with a giant jump. My friend Alex (who's on this trip!) and I took a big leap of faith by even suggesting the idea that a team of people should head to South Africa to run the Cape Town Marathon in support of Young Life. It really was a courageous shot at flying a kite that we didn't know if the wind would keep up. By the grace of God He truly has blessed these efforts to make this trip happen. What started by shooting our shot way back in September now begins its final descent as we depart for Cape Town this Monday.

This whole process has countless steps that has led to this moment of our team departing the USA. We created an idea, which led to a timeline, that eventually got shifted because the marathon had some hiccups in 2025. We restarted and hosted interested meetings where we then interviewed interested participants. By January we had a majority of our team. They launched into fundraising plans and then marathon training plans. In February we had our full team and everyone was in the swing of grinding out base miles and fundraising calls. March and April we booked flights, held team meetings, kept running and kept fundraising. Now we are in May with 11 runners and 25 total guests heading to complete this mission called South Coast 2026.

The team has put in a tremendous effort. I say tremendous because I find these individuals to be inspiring, courageous, and passionate. I am in awe of them! This was (and is) a 6 month commitment. Are they getting to experience something incredible? I would say so! They're running a marathon in South Africa. But, they aren't here just for the experience. They would tell you that running a marathon isn't natural or easy. Fundraising $7,000+ doesn't just happen. This effort and team is extraordinary because they are thinking about the thousand kids they will send to Young Life Camp this year in Africa because of their commitment.

Yes! You heard that right. 1,000 kids! That is the goal. That's the aim. That's the purpose and the reason we are doing this. Running is fun. Traveling is exciting. Doing it with friends makes it sweeter. But, it is the 1,000 kids whose lives will be impacted through the hearing of the Gospel by a caring leader they know which makes this whole project what it is.

Young Life at its core has always been unique and innovative. In 1941 there was a youth pastor who decided to walk out of his church doors to go meet kids at the local high school who would never think to enter into the church. This group embodies a similar innovation, creativity, and faithfulness that our founder Jim Rayburn had. They have taken it upon themselves to trust the Lord, try something new, and give a crazy commitment a shot at the hope of placing kids at the foot of the Cross.

A group of 25 heads out Monday. Our goal is to impact 1,000. So far we have been backed and supported by over 270 donors. We have just under $7,500 to go to hit our goal of $75,000. Will you help share the story? Would you consider supporting this project and help us reach our goal?

I was a senior in high school when a local family wrote a check to allow me to attend Young Life Camp in Colorado. It was the fifth night of the trip where the camp speaker told me how Christ had died and rose from the dead and offered me forgiveness for my sins. That night on the soccer field bench at Crooked Creek Ranch my relationship with Jesus started. There is a picture of my friends and me with our leader during the volleyball tournament at camp (I think I could use a headband during the marathon next Sunday!). That week changed my life. Most recently I got to attend a camp in Monrovia, Liberia where over 100 kids got to kick off the school year at a day camp together. Almost half the room gave their life to Christ that day. The powerful, life-changing testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being used all over the world. Young Life is sharing it constantly with kids who are in need of a Savior. We would be honored for you to support our efforts to make that opportunity happen for more kids in Africa this year.

Please follow along and come back to this page each day to hear from more of our teammates and trip guests on how the trip is going and what we are experiencing on the ground!

— Casey Prescott, Trip Leader. Former Development Director, Young Life Africa. Director of Discipleship, Declaration Church, Bryan TX.