Chad Markgraaf has committed to running 100 marathons in aid of supporting a friend, as he nears his halfway mark, we learn more about Chad’s noble cause.
Johannesburg, South Africa (14 August 2023) – Chad Markgraaf (20) is working towards running 100 marathons in 100 days in aid of his friend Kyle Dally who is fighting Stage 4 skin cancer. Having completed his 44th Marathon, he sat down to share his reasons behind it with the Good Things Guy team.
Chad explained that he was never a runner at school but during the pandemic, he grew to love it and used it as a way to get fit for his hockey season at Jeppe Boys. As times have gotten tough, running became his way to process and even escape for a while so he could clear his mind. And in that, he has found a way to express himself.
According to Chad, 2022 had been a very challenging year for both Chad and his family. His mother was diagnosed with Melanoma and had to undergo treatment. He witnessed her struggle through her treatment and her battle only worsened when financial strain took hold. All this led to Chad taking a knock in his studies and failing one of his modules for his Bachelor of Accounting Sciences degree at Wits.
Now with extra time on his hands, Chad has committed to making his 2023 count. He set his heart on running 100 marathons in 100 days. Having decided on this challenge in January, he started training and hit the road for his first run a few weeks ago. As of his 44th run, Chad has travelled just over 1850km.
We spoke to Chad about what this challenge has taught him so far and what he has learned about himself. He shared that Day 3 was his worst day but because he found a way to push through it, it is the one day he looks back on most when he needs to find his motivation to push forward.
“Each day has presented its own unique challenges, and with it lessons! Day 3 definitely stands out the most for me. I woke up that morning with extremely swollen and sore feet.
I had spent so much time during the training months prior working on my cardio and leg strength that I had neglected the toll the distances would take on my feet. Getting to the shower that morning was a challenge in and of itself however I managed to get my running shoes on and came to the realisation that I was going to have to walk the marathon that day.
I got on the road at 6 am and only finished at 5:30 pm that evening after many icing sessions in the foot spa and my family taking shifts to keep me company on the road.
I was flooded with doubt and didn’t know how I was going to get through the next 97 days. I prayed that night and was reminded of the bible verse I had chosen to carry me through this journey. Proverbs 3:5-6 which emphasizes that we should not solely lean on our own understandings for situations are not always as they initially seem. Day 4 was easier and showed me the vital importance of maintaining the balance of perseverance and faith.”
Chad credits his support system for helping him get this far. He quotes the African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together”, to highlight just how incredible his support structure has been. From his girlfriend walking by his side on Day 3, then Day 4 and Day 5 while his feet healed, to his mom cycling alongside him on his weekend runs.
His uncle, brother and other family members even clubbed money together to get him a pair of running shoes that would endure 100 marathons. He has been embraced by his community, with Syann Long running a marathon with him and arranging morning runs with the Alberton Running Club so Chad has company.
“Every day, believe it or not, this challenge becomes more manageable. With each run, my times are slowly getting better and I am constantly reminded of Day 3. Had I not persevered, I would never have made it to this point where every day I am now not dreading the 42.2km journey which lies ahead,but much rather grateful to be on this path and see which lessons await.”
Running for Friendship
With regards to Kyle Dally, Chad says they have known each other for some time. They met at a family braai and it was Kyle that helped Chad convince his mom that a snake for a pet was the way to go! Chad said he always wanted to repay Kyle for helping him get his pet corn snake “Meilie”. Now he hopes his 100 marathons challenge can be that repayment.
Kyle is needing chronic medication for his cancer and while his medical aid helps, it doesn’t cover everything. Kyle set up a crowdfund to cover the cost of his meds and Chad is highlighting that.
“Kyle requires daily medication for the rest of his life in order to survive. His medical aid does not cover all the costs of his medication which has a monthly expense of over R50000. Money which Kyle himself does not have. This is a constant worry and struggle for Kyle and his future wife, Bianca, and yet they both go through life with the inspiring mindset of making the most of each present moment as opposed to worrying about the next. Kyle’s unwavering faith despite his circumstances is something which inspired me greatly to embark on this 100-day journey.”
Beyond raising funds and awareness, Chad hopes his journey will inspire people to set challenging goals and to achieve them.
“I hope to inspire others by showing them the power of not limiting yourself and striving for a goal which exceeds self-interests. I hope to show people the importance of not avoiding discomfort and challenge, but instead embracing and overcoming them. Every day is tough, however, the feeling I get when I look at my watch and see 42.2km is unmatched. This feeling of happiness, in my opinion, can only be achieved by setting yourself goals which initially you may not think you can achieve…and then you achieve them.”
With almost 50% of the challenge done, this week will be a big one! We asked Chad what he hopes to accomplish in the end and he now has his sights set on trail running and doing his first Comrades.
“I also have further aspirations of completing Comrades next year. A goal which was inspired by Eddie Moleleki, a 69-year-old runner who often joins me on my morning runs and is looking to complete his first Comrades at the age of 70.”
Inspiring others to join
In an effort to honour his community and those who are fighting cancer, or have lost battles, Chad is hosting a fundraiser on the 9th of September 2023 at St Declans School for Boys at Rietvlei Lifestyle Centre.
“The aim being to honour those who have fought or are fighting their own battle with cancer. Entrance into the event is therefore not a specific cost, but rather a photo of someone who you know who has fought or is fighting a similar battle to Kyle.
We will be making a message / memorial wall on the day with all these pictures to honour and inspire. There will also be a 5km/ 10km walk or relay on the day as well as food and drink vendors on site. All donations and proceeds will go directly to Kyle.”
The last 30 marathons will also be used to raise funds. Chad hopes to get people to sponsor per km. He plans to share those details closer to the time so stay tuned to his social pages here and here.
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