PHOTOS: Hundreds step it up for Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust during the lockdown

MORE than 700 runners and walkers took to their gardens, driveways or whatever space was available to them on Easter Monday to participate in the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust’s unique lockdown fundraising event.

Sponsored by FUTURELIFE, the Bambalela (Stay Strong) Home Marathon challenged young and old alike to stay fit and healthy during the nationwide lockdown while coming together as a greater community to help raise funds for the non-profit organisation.

Participants could choose to run or walk a 5km, 10km, 21km or 42km distance within their gardens and, while most opted for the shorter distances, more than 60 athletes completed full marathons or longer on the day.

Among them was well-known local runner and founder of Beloved Long Runs, Dean Wight, who took it upon himself to run all four distances back-to-back for a total of 78.3km.

His gruelling challenge consisted of a mind-boggling 1 566 laps around his 50m garden and took nine-and-a-half hours to complete.

Dean said, “At first I planned to just run a marathon, but then thought, I’m at home and I’ve got nothing but time, I might as well do all four! So I challenged my friends and family to sponsor me and ended up raising more than R8 000 on the day for HACT.”

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The one-of-a-kind event also attracted international support with participants from the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, Spain and as far away as Alaska. The supporters laced up and joined in the fun for a great cause.
Myles Buxton, a local runner from uMhlanga came up with the original idea for the event and participated with his family on the day.

“It started off as a bit of a joke between my wife and I,” said Myles. “Then I realised it could actually work. I contacted Dean for help and he contacted the HACT team and, before we knew it, we had an amazing sponsor on board and hundreds of people were signing up to take part!”

In total, the event succeeded and raised R125 743 for HACT’s Emergency Relief Fund.

HACT’s CEO, Candace Davidson, said, “This will be used to help mitigate the far reaching impact of Covid-19 on those considered the most vulnerable and at risk within our local communities, including those with compromised immune systems due to HIV/AIDS or TB as well as the elderly.”

“As a Comrades charity, HACT is well aware of the generosity of runners, however we have been completely blown away by the huge outpouring of support, encouragement and solidarity shown through this iconic event.” said Candace.

“As the world responds to these unprecedented times and circumstances, we as South Africans came together to create a fun and positive event, and with a sense of community and camaraderie that will be remembered for a long time to come.”

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