WATCH: 31 marathons in 31 days
RANDPARK RIDGE – "I am running for those who cannot run," says Morné Basson. "There are people out there who cannot even play with their children – who would love to go to work for a day, even for a bad boss."
Running a marathon for a good cause is worthy of recognition, but running 31 marathon distances in 31 days is completely unprecedented.
So quickly, come and show your support for Honeydew Ridge resident, Morné Basson, who is running 42km on a treadmill every day to raise awareness and funds for people suffering from motor neuron disease (MND).
The 42-year-old’s journey started at Killarney Mall on 28 September, and from 5 October until 15 October he will be running at Randridge Mall. Then comes Northgate Shopping Centre for about one week, and then Mall@Carnival for the remaining days.
He runs for about five hours, 15 minutes per day, between 8am and 1.15pm.
Basson grew up in Klerksdorp and spent much of his time with his beloved great-aunt, Annelie Jurgens. Seeing the incurable disease impact her life, and then lead to her death, he vowed to help others suffering from MND.
The effect of the disease on Basson’s rugby hero, the late Joost van der Westhuizen, also strengthened his resolve.
According to Van der Westhuizen’s website, joost.co.za, MND ‘is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells (neurones) controlling the muscles that enable us to move, speak, breathe and swallow undergo degeneration and die’.
The disease is incurable and will lead to a gradual physical shutdown.
“I am running for those who cannot run,” Basson added.
“People take time and health for granted. We need to be thankful for what we have. There are people out there who cannot even play with their children – who would love to go to work for a day, even for a bad boss.”
He said the running has not been too difficult, apart from stiffness in his legs. “I would not be able to run without support from people, and that makes me think about how people with MND cannot do anything without support from others.”
Although Basson has run the Comrades Marathon four times, he does not consider himself a serious runner, just ‘a normal guy trying to raise funds and awareness’.
While once-off donations are hugely appreciated, Basson aims to receive pledges totalling R100 000 per month for the 12 people he supports through his non-profit organisation, MBI (Motivate, Believe, Inspire) Health.
“I really believe we can make a difference in people’s lives,” he said between breaths.
“Everyday we can help someone.”
Follow Basson on his Facebook page, MND 31 Days 31 Marathon Treadmill Challenge
Details: Morné Basson morne@mbihealth.co.za; 072 726 9528.
