Runner makes strides for Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust

THE name, Dean Wight, is synonymous with running and the man behind that name has organised copious running events and this year will run the Comrades Marathon as an ambassador for the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust.

The Gillitts resident said his journey into the world of running began when he was invited to attend a fun run when he was 11 years old.

From that single race, his passion and love for the sport has grown in leaps and bounds.

Dean has run 26 Comrades Marathons, 117 standard marathons and 51 ultra marathons.

In 2006 he took on the role of chairman of the Queensburgh Harriers where he organised training runs, inviting other clubs to join in.

When he moved to the Upper Highway area four years ago, he relinquished his title at the club but still received constant queries from avid runners who wanted to take part in more of his runs.

ALSO READ: Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust’s help creates a world of hope for patients

What started off with a handful of emails to a few interested parties turned into a group of more than 100 people laced up and ready for a run from Hillcrest to the beachfront.

The very next day, on 23 January 2016, Beloved Long Runs was officially launched.

There are now more than 3 200 members on the Facebook group.

He has linked up with clubs throughout the greater Durban area, from the South Coast Striders to the Riverside Harriers in Durban North.

This year Dean has chosen to partner with the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT), an official charity of this year’s Comrades Marathon.

His target is to raise a total of R60 000 for the local non-profit organisation, but he hopes to raise far more.

“Creating awareness is my main focus and through my running I hope to introduce HACT to more individuals who may want to support them and the wonderful work they do in the community. It is right on the Comrades route and the work they do in the Valley of 1 000 Hills is absolutely amazing,” he said.

To kick-start his role as a Comrades ambassador for HACT, he hosted the first of five Sign Up Saturday 25km runs at the centre.

More than 100 runners joined the run and a handful of those signed up to raise funds for HACT during their down run in this year’s Comrades Marathon.

Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts