Fourways’ Robbie Gien is tackling the gruelling Backyard Ultra Challenge to raise funds for the vulnerable little ones at safe haven Swallow’s Nest! The challenge will see runners tackle as many laps as their bodies allow until only one runner remains:
Fourways, South Africa (12 July 2024) — After tackling the 2024 Comrades Marathon, runner Robbie Gien wasted no time in taking on another mammoth marathon—the gruelling Backyard Ultra to support the vulnerable children at Safe Haven, Swallow’s Nest.
The Backyard Ultra (which will take place on 20 July at Van Gaalens in Hartebeespoort) has a reputation as one of the most intense in the world of ultra-running, where competitors are required to run a 6.7km lap every hour! Each lap needs to be completed in that time frame, and whatever time is left is used for a few moments of relief and recovery. Unlike most races, there is no definitive end-point. Instead, the Backyard Ultra continues until only one runner remains after the other runners have pushed their bodies to the limit of laps.
“Ultra-running sends your mind into deep areas of negativity, hardship and despair,” says Robbie. “It’s easy for your mind to give up, but when I think of the difference that I can make by using this marathon to help a child get a kickstart to a great future, it fuels me to drive on.
“The babies and children at Swallow’s Nest have not asked or done anything wrong to have this sort of hardship fall on their shoulders, but they already show more resilience than most adults, and I find that incredibly inspiring”.
Robbie hopes to beat his previous record of 9 laps with 15 laps, or if he can walk through the fire enough, 24 laps. This would mean over 100kms if he manages 15 and over 160kms should he complete 24.
His mantra? “Just One More Lap”.
About Swallow’s Nest
Swallow’s Nest is based in Queenswood, Pretoria and offers a safe place for children who’ve suffered abuse, neglect and abandonment as well as special-needs youngsters. It was founded and is maintained by Jeanette Birrel, who started the home 21 years ago as a safe home for children while they await their forever families or reunite with their biological ones.
“I chose to raise funds for Swallow’s Nest because I love the work that they do to assist babies in getting through their hard start to life,” shares Robbie, who has already raised over R30,000 for the home.
For Jeanette, initiatives like Robbie’s help lift a massive weight off the home’s shoulders.
“The less I have to stress about where the funding for everyday needs comes from, the more time I can spend with the babies and toddlers in my care. I can focus on their development and other concerns. Seeing that most of the babies I take care of are premature or drug-addicted, this takes a lot of time and care!” Jeanette says.
As for where the funds will be making a difference, Robbie breaks it down as follows:
“The funds will provide the babies and toddlers in Jeanette’s home with milk formula, disposable nappies, toiletries, medication, food, nursery school fees, and other general needs for the crisis children. Every donation counts. It may be such a cliché phrase, but the truth is that none of the babies had a choice to be in this situation, and I believe it is our responsibility to assist where we can to give all the babies, no matter their background, the best foot forward in life.”
You can support Robbie’s Backyard Ultra for Swallow’s Nest here.
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