Run from Jozi to Cape Town raises funds
RUIMSIG – Mad2Run raises R250 000 for charity during its 1 490km relay from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
The Mad2Run running group has returned from a gruelling 1 490km relay from Johannesburg to Cape Town, which began on 11 April at Ruimsig’s Maragon Private Schools.
Roodepoort Northsider interviewed the schools’ head of sport Shaun Raaff after he had participated in the relay and the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon with his 12-man Make A Difference team.
“Make a Difference is an education-based organisation that selects gifted young South African pupils and provides them with the platform to excel through high school and tertiary studies. It provides schooling and mentoring to the pupils, making sure that they have full support both financially and emotionally,” Raaff said.
“Thus far we have raised R250 000 for the charity. We were able to hand over the first of what we hope are many cheques to the charity at the finish of the Two Oceans on 20 April,” he informed.
Raaff was encouraged to raise money for charity in a less conventional way after he had listened to Braam Malherbe’s interview of how he ran the entire distance of the Great Wall of China.
“I thought afterwards, if he can do it then I can do this as well.”
He added that it took 18 months of planning before the journey even started. “I was lucky to have known all the other members before the journey, however, it was amazing how guys who came from very different backgrounds fitted into the MAD2Run family like they had been around for years.”
The runner further explained that each athlete had to do a minimum of 20km per leg before other athletes took over in the relay.
“It was extremely challenging as 60 percent of the route was down dirt roads. It was incredible being so far away from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg.
“Running through the Karoo through the day and night was beyond incredible. I would suggest it to anybody. The way the Karoo wakes up at sunrise is life changing.”
Raaff said eight of the members decided they would continue raising money for the charity and will compete in the Comrades marathon later this year.
“I have learned one thing after the experience, and I can sum it up in the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘it always seems impossible, until it’s done’.”
