Runners the world over have united to raise money for those left in dire need by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Covid-19 Relief Fund Run challenged runners to run in the confinement of their lockdown locations to raise funds for those in need along the West Coast.
The lockdown run took place on Easter Saturday – the same day the 51st running of the Two Oceans Marathon was supposed to have taken place. The brainchild of Bloubergstrand resident Marissa Groenewald, the Fund Run was aimed at “changing lives while staying fit”.
The run partnered with Life Changers Church and ward councillors Nicky Rheeder, Joy Solomon and Nora Grose and raised R18 300 to be used by the West Coast Covid Relief Fund on food parcels for communities in need.
Each food parcel costs about R350, according to Ms Groenewald.
There was a minimum registration fee of R50 and the run started at 5am and ended at 5pm.
Runners chose how many kilometres they wanted to do and logged their distance on the Facebook page. They covered 935.17km on the day.
Ms Rheeder ran 10km.
“I enjoyed it very much! It will certainly go down in my memory books as one to remember,” she said.
Chantel Erfort, editor of Cape Community Newspapers, which publishes Tabletalk, ran 12km.
“It was very challenging – physically but more so, mentally,” she said.
The next challenge will be the West Coast Covid Relief Fund Freedom Day run/cycle on Saturday April 25. Runners, walkers, cyclists, swimmers and supporters are encouraged to participate. Entry is R50 minimum.
Visit the West Coast Covid Relief Fund Facebook page for more details.