To help children in need, one Bedfordview resident is gearing up to run this year’s Comrades Marathon in a cow costume.
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Richard Lasky, a member of the Childhood Cancer Foundation (Choc) Cows initiative, will don his costume on June 10 to raise funds for the foundation.
The upcoming marathon marks Lasky’s 20th year running the event and his 10th year raising funds for Choc through it.
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“Throughout my sporting career I have always competed for charity,” said Lasky.
“I’m not going to win the events so I might as well achieve something and give back to those in need.”
Over the years the Jeppe High School for Boys old boy ran the marathon in a dog costume for the SPCA, a worm costume for Sports Trust and as a member of a human chain for breast cancer.
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According to Lasky, the runners participating in the marathon this year have raised R1.3-million for Choc so far.
Lasky himself has raised over R14 500 for the foundation.
Lasky said since the Cows initiative was founded 10 years ago, over R30-m has been raised for Choc.
He described the Cows initiative as a voice for children who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Lasky said after the initiative gained popularity, the cow costumes became synonymous with sporting events.
“I have been called a zebra, a Dalmatian and even a Mexican chihuahua but everyone knows about us Cows.”
When people first saw Lasky’s woollen costume they couldn’t understand why he and other members of the ‘herd’ were wearing them.
Lasky said many people asked if it would not be easier to run in a more breathable material.
“It’s simple really, as soon as a child is diagnosed with cancer they start their suffering,” said Lasky.
“I believe that I can suffer through the 12-hour marathon to help them.”
Lasky said the biggest challenge the costume poses is that it increases his rate of dehydration.
As a result, Lasky has to drink more water to stay at the top of his game.
Despite the threat of dehydration, Lasky said running in the cow costume is definitely worth it.
“The response and feedback we get from supporters are really phenomenal.
“Knowing why you out there wearing the costume really gets me through the events.”
After the marathon, the money raised by runners and the Cows will be used to assist Choc.
Representatives from Choc provide wish lists to the Cows who then consider where to spend the money raised.
Lasky said nothing is paid for or funded without the approval of the Cows committee members.
“Everything is transparent and that’s why it works,” said Lasky.
To help Lasky raise funds for Choc, click here.
To become a member of the initiative email daisy@thecows.co.za
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