On 21 March, Patrick Bowman will run 6.7km every hour, on the hour, for as long as his body and mind allow him, for children who deserve the chance to smile freely.
Cape Town, South Africa (19 March 2026) – On the Sea Point Promenade, as the hours stretch on and the miles begin to test every limit, endurance runner Patrick Bowman will step up to The Prom Backyard Ultra on 21 March 2026 with a purpose far greater than the finish line.
Every lap will be a statement of grit, transforming physical and mental stamina into meaningful support for children in need of life-saving surgery through Smile Foundation.
The Backyard Ultra is a unique endurance event that requires runners to complete a 6.7km loop every hour, on the hour, until only one participant remains. There is no traditional finish line; the race continues until all but one runner can no longer continue. Success demands grit, mental toughness, and the ability to push forward long after fatigue sets in.
For Patrick, this isn’t about securing a medal. He plans to run for as long as his body and mind allow, confident in his endurance and determination to go beyond 24 hours.
“This challenge is about more than just distance,” says Patrick.
“It’s about committing to keep going even when everything tells you to stop. If I’m going to test my limits mentally and physically, it should be for a cause that truly changes lives.”
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Tatjana Smith Comes Out of Retirement With LA28 in Her SightsSmile Foundation works alongside skilled surgeons and partner hospitals across South Africa to provide corrective reconstructive surgery for children living with cleft lips and palates, burns, and other conditions.
These procedures do more than meet a medical need – they restore the small, essential parts of childhood: the ability to eat with ease, speak clearly, and smile without hesitation.
With each operation, a child is given the chance to return to the world with confidence, dignity, and a renewed sense of belonging – stepping away from the stigma, bullying, and daily challenges that might otherwise define their lives.
Through Patrick’s Miles for Smiles campaign, funds raised will directly support these critical surgeries, helping more children access the care they need.
Members of the public are encouraged to support the initiative by donating to the fundraising campaign, sharing the story on social media, and following the journey in the lead-up to race day and during the event itself.
You can support Patrick by donating to his crowdfunding campaign here or by following his journey on Instagram.
Sources: Smile Foundation
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