With a goal to raise R1 million for adaptive athletes, a filmmaker and a disability activist who also happens to be a Comrades champion, have teamed up for an epic and life-changing adventure—7 Comrades in 7 days.
South Africa (09 June 2023) — One Comrades’ stretch is enough to make anyone clench and say ‘yassus’. Seven is another matter entirely, but this incredible team signed up for exactly that (and not against their will).
7in7, or 7 Comrades in 7 days is the adventure and challenge that disabled activist Chaeli Mycroft, Mark Ferreira and filmmaker Geoff Hookins along with a few other cross-country trailblazers (Team Beastie and community volunteers) are embarking on beyond medal accolades.
They have a mighty goal to raise R1 million for other adaptive athletes through means like ‘joggers’; specialised and life-changing active wheelchairs. The funds will help many future adaptive athletes hit the pace, ignite purpose and show the world that running is for everyone.
Around the country, they’ll complete Comrades’ distances (87kms) with Hookins documenting the journey; its thorns and roses.
Apologetically Able
As for Mycroft, this won’t be her first time completing a Comrades distance; in fact, she’s something of a history-book legend when it comes to the big race. Mycroft was the first athlete in a wheelchair to complete the Comrades, making her a symbol of what’s possible—something she carries like a baton and passes on to those who wish to follow her wheels.
The powerhouse disability activist has also summited Mount Kilimanjaro and won the International Children’s Peace Prize. Beyond this, she’s the founder of the Chaeli Campaign which strives for a world where inclusivity is the norm and not the exception.
Follow the Adventure
The adventure will run until the Comrades finishes on 11 June, and you can keep up with the vlogs here.
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