Ultra-runner Sewell gears up to run 1 800km to the Comrades for CHOC

While thousands of runners prepare for the 2022 Comrades Marathon on August 28, a solitary runner dressed in the distinctive running kit of The Cows will leave Cape Town 19 days before the world’s biggest ultra-marathon – in an attempt to complete 20 Comrades Marathons back-to-back to raise money for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Forty-four-year-old Johannesburg adventurer Mike Sewell is aiming to raise R1m by completing the staggering feat. In the process, he will complete the arduous 1 800km challenge that he and five others failed to get right in 2018.

Sewell got further than any of the other runners on what they dubbed ‘The Long Road to Comrades’ completing 1 100km over 20 days.

Now, inspired by the chance to make a real impact on the lives of children confronting cancer, he wants to try again and says he is wiser than four years ago.

“I had seen The Cows at other events and they intrigued me,” said Sewell. “On connecting with them it just all felt right. Great energy, great community and of course – a great cause. I’ll be treating the charity element as a second parallel project – as big as the run.”

Sewell is adamant that the challenge of doing 20 consecutive Comrades’ can be achieved and he wants to remedy the disappointment of 2018.

“Mostly, ‘The Long Road to Comrades V2.0’ is about unfinished business,” he said. “I’ve always challenged myself with ever-growing challenges and this one still needs to be conquered. I love testing my limits, both physically and mentally and I relish in the adventure of a task this big.

“The best part about a second attempt is the benefit of experience. And with such a big challenge, that experience is invaluable. There are a few very significant changes that I have made from the first attempt.

“Firstly, quitting is not an option. It was too easy to get in the support van last time. This won’t be an option this year. I will just have to suck it up.

“Then, keep moving forward! We spent too much time in 2018 not moving forward. This time, only lunch and CHOC house visits will be static stops. All other non-running events in the day must be ‘rolling’.

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“This run will be a solo effort. The task is so big that it needs the focused effort of a team to get one person over the line. I hope to eliminate additional dynamics and challenges that come with multiple runners.

“Then I have fine-tuned everything for success,” he added. “From flattening the route to adding a masseuse to an acute focus on nutrition and even being aware of the road camber.

“But vitally the charity element gives me an additional reason if not THE reason to finish!” he concluded.
Anyone keen to support Sewell on ‘The Long Road to Comrades V2.0’ can make a contribution via his fund-raising account at https://charity.easyreg.co.za/comrades-marathon-2022/mike-sewell/childhood-cancer-foundation-choc.

More information about The Cows can be found at www.thecows.co.za.

About The Cows: The Cows were started in 2008 by a group of eight enthusiastic cyclists who wanted to make a difference and raise funds for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa. Cordi van Niekerk was one of the founder members and joined Kerrin and Grant Bain in cycling the 947 Cycle Challenge in memory of their daughter, Jessica, who had recently died from cancer at just 20 months old.

As CHOC had played a significant role in the Bain family’s life in the last few weeks of Jessica’s life, specifically with palliative care and emotional support, the decision was to make CHOC the beneficiary of their quest. They decided to don cow suits and succeeded in raising R230 000.

In 2009, the herd gained momentum and grew to 140 energetic cows. Just two years later the herd numbered a staggering 350 cows riding for a purpose. Armed with the ‘Love Living Life’ slogan and a healthy dose of enthusiasm, the herd has enjoyed success and acclaim.

Ten years later, hundreds of people participated in events wearing cow suits. The Cows have raised over R30m for specific projects implemented by CHOC and The Cows brand is prominent at many sporting events in South Africa. With these funds, CHOC can make a difference to the children treated for cancer throughout South Africa.

One herd; one quest: to make a difference to children with cancer. Love Living Life!

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