Benoni resident Rudi Craps is going to swim the Midmar Mile 16 times to raise funds for children suffering from terminal cancer.
The Mile, known as the longest open-water swimming event in the world, will take place at the Midmar Dam in Pietermaritzburg from February 10 to 13.
Craps will take part in the 186 club charity run over two days. He is going to join the race start of each event and at the end of each day, he would have swum up to eight miles.
The proceeds from this will be donated to the Happy Bundles NPO.
“Roundtable Golden East 181 and I are raising funds for this charity because it does phenomenal work to bring some joy back to these children whose families often get wound up in medical bills.”
This will be his 28th time taking part in the Mile. But he is attempting the arduous 16-mile swim for the first time.
“I have completed a few eight-mile events. I have always looked at the 16 milers in awe and wondered what was wrong with them.”
The triathlete is not new to physically demanding competition, as he has a few Ironman events under his belt.
“I have completed both half and full Ironman events. I have felt what it’s like to suffer but through that I have learnt what I’m capable of.
“I was obese before and I used asthma as my reason for not being active until triathlon changed my life. I also realised early on through my years in sport that I wanted to give back to my community.”
Craps told the City Times he is physically ready, but he is terrified mentally. He is, however, comforted by the goal he wants to achieve.
“I am used to shorter distances at a higher pace. Doing one discipline is difficult. I do get some comfort that the children I’m swimming for are never prepared for the treatment and effect cancer has on their bodies and lives.
“It would be no excuse for me to pull out now. Mentally, I feel the same way. I am terrified, but I can’t imagine it being close to how the children feel going through chemotherapy or being a parent seeing their child going through the process.
“That is why this charity is personal and close to me. They focus on bringing joy to children.”
Also Read: Round Table raises over R200 000 to help people in KZN
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