Fourways runner raises funds for Daily Bread
FOURWAYS – Runner Juliana Ambrosi created her own version of the Comrades Marathon to raise funds for the Daily Bread Org.
Fourways resident and avid runner Juliana Ambrosi has not let the cancellation of the Comrades Marathon prevent her from running and helping those in need in her community.
At 6am on 14 June, the RunZone member went out to complete her 90km Comrades Legends Ultra Marathon in laps around the streets of Fourways.
She began and ended the run outside her home opposite Fourways High School and planned to do nine 10km loops. She completed 87km in 9:42:28, which was 10 minutes faster than her Comrades time last year.
Ambrosi said she was disappointed when she heard that Comrades was cancelled, seeing as her training was up to speed.
Prior to completing the run, Ambrosi said, “I decided that I would run the 90km on my own anyway. After deciding this, Comrades launched their virtual run, so it was a no-brainer. All entrants of the 2020 race were given entry into the virtual race so I immediately secured my entry.”
But this run is not just to achieve her personal goals. Ambrosi is running in support of Daily Bread Org. She is encouraging members of the public to support her run by donating food vouchers for Checkers or Makro or drop off food parcels at the Robin Drive boom.
“Seeing as I was going to run anyway, I thought I should do it for charity… I wanted to assist those suffering because of the virus. I also wanted to do something that would benefit our local community. Daily Bread ticked all the boxes.”
“I hope to raise awareness of the organisation and the work they are doing. So many people don’t know the extent of the suffering out there, right on our doorstep.”
Ambrosi said that running the race on her home turf with the support of her community was a special experience. “My community was out in force. Everyone took part in running laps with me, cycling, cheering me on, braaing outside their houses. It was amazing,” said Ambrosi.
Founder of Daily Bread Org Charmaine McGinley said that the charity is thankful for Ambrosi’s efforts.The funds raised will be used for the charity’s feeding schemes in Alexandra, Kya Sands and Msawawa Settlement as well as the feeding scheme at Fourways High School.
