The Cows stampede to victory at Comrades Marathon

As the dust settles on the 2019 Comrades Marathon, the Choc Cows are celebrating their successful “stampede” that saw them finish as the top charity fund-raiser, with their stalwart, Axel Rittershaus, topping their list of individual fund-raisers.

Last year, Bedfordview runner Richard Laskey finished the Comrades Marathon with just 47 seconds to spare and subsequently raised R35 000 for Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC).

The Cows take part in a variety of sporting events to raise money and awareness for CHOC and through their combined efforts at the 2019 Comrades they raised over R1.6-million.

Axel in his personal capacity raised R82 314 to help the Cows easily win the race for the top charity fund-raiser at this year’s Comrades, where just over R4-m was raised for the seven official race charities.

The event saw 156 runners turning out in the black-and-white livery of the Cows, each raising funds and adding the feisty Cow stamp to the 87km race between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

Nelspruit-based Cow Marc Bainbridge ran the entire race in the furry Cow suit, no mean feat for a runner attempting the race for the first time.

Bainbridge also teamed up with fellow Cow Gregory Kendall to carry a struggling Jeppe runner to make it to the finish line in Pietermaritzburg.

For Caz Clover of Hilton the small Comrades medal was a significant achievement as she reached a goal she set herself after a tough battle against cervical cancer.

Cordi van Niekerk, who was one of the Cows who founded the movement over a decade ago at the 947 Cycle Challenge, also completed his maiden Comrades Marathon.

Another passionate Cow, Daryn Woods, made the trip from Australia to complete the up-run in the colours of the Cows for a second time.

In addition, the Cows also ran two watering tables on the route.

More information about the Cows visit www.thecows.co.za