With a lion’s heart, Matthew Trichardt has taken to task an extraordinary effort: 31 marathons in 31 days to support Cape Town’s homeless through the Secret Love Project!
Cape Town, South Africa (23 January 2025) — Most of us can’t imagine undertaking one marathon, let alone 31 marathons in just 31 days. But for Matthew Trichardt, the big feat has already been taken to task; his heart is set on supporting Cape Town’s homeless community.
“This challenge is about more than running,” Matthew says of the 1308kms the marathons collectively make up. “It’s about raising awareness for an incredible organisation that brings hope and opportunity to so many.”
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The organisation in question is none other than The Secret Love Project—a non-profit dedicated to uplifting the homeless, shifting narratives about homelessness and reminding Cape Town that a little love can go a very long way.
The Secret Love Project’s impact is visible all over Cape Town through the iconic stickers that the people who are changing their lives through the project sell. By selling hearts instead of begging, a sense of responsibility, control and accountability is restored.
The Secret Love Project does incredible work that helps people change their lives. From skills development and emotional support to income-generating opportunities, it’s a vehicle that has enormous potential.
But, it’s also a vehicle that requires awareness and community buy-in to jet forward.
This is where people like Matthew step (or run) in.
Matthew’s 31 marathons hope to raise R31,000 for the Secret Love Project. His aim is to help the charity’s initiatives with financial backing, an effort that will impact around 750 heart-sticker vendors. All proceeds will head directly to the Secret Love Project.
However, Matt also hopes that his marathon missions will inspire others to realise their own power and uplift others.
“My goal is to hopefully inspire others to step outside of their comfort zone by challenging themselves as well as doing something that is bigger than themselves by helping those in need,” he says.
You can support Matt’s marathons (which will end on 16 February with the Balwin Peninsula Marathon) here, and keep up with his progress here.
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