A group of MAD South Africans are running from Joburg to Cape Town… all in the name of good!!!
Northern Cape, South Africa – On Friday the 12th of April, people from different areas of Gauteng, Kwa Zulu-Natal and the Western Cape took on the challenge with the MAD2Aventures organisation that could possibly change their lives and of scholars around South Africa.
The event is an annual relay-style run and cycle from Johannesburg to Cape Town (1520km)!
This project was initiated in 2012 when Shaun Raaff decided that it was time to be proactive and make a positive contribution to his much-loved country, South Africa. After watching an inspirational talk given by Braam Malherbe (who ran across the Great Wall of China in aid of the charity Miles for Smiles), he got home, rather emotional, and immediately sent out an email to all of his friends and invited them around for an “emergency braai”. Over a few too many beers he was able to convince his mates that they needed to do something meaningful in their lives. With an existing family connection to the MAD Leadership Foundation, Shaun found a great cause to put all of the team’s efforts towards.
And so, MAD2Adventures was born!
Every year the incredible journey forms part of the MAD2Adventurs fundraiser for the Make A Difference Leadership Foundation, a full-investment scholarship programme that helps get underprivileged kids through school – be it university or high school. It provides holistic educational support to academically-talented scholars who show promise but lack the necessary financial resources to develop their potential effectively.
The team have currently (16 April 2019) covered just over 1000km as they make a plan to exit the beautiful landscapes of the Northern Cape and head off into the Western Cape. As one can imagine, this has been no easy journey – from blisters, torn ligaments and bad knees; the team are determined to complete the 1520km journey.
There are currently 220 South African scholars on the programme, and the adventure-event aims to raise enough funds to be able to assist them with all the financial implications of their studies.
This year the MAD2Adventures event hosts 12 cyclists and 43 runners – however, each cyclist covers the full 1520km individually, while the runners complete a 24hr relay. Both teams start at the same time and follow a similar route, and the entire team will arrive in Cape Town at the same time.
Keep track of this incredible journey for the last few days on Instagram (@mad2adventures) and Facebook (MAD2Adventures).
We started off with a bang and we're still going strong. Thank you to all our partners and most importantly, everyone who is donating as we run and ride. You may still donate if you haven't yet, visit www.mad2adventures.co.za. #MAD2Run #MAD2Ride #RideRunRepresent #Team19
Posted by MAD2Adventures on Saturday, 13 April 2019
by 