Former crack cocaine addict tackles epic run
At the same time, he wanted to inspire other addicts and the general public that anything was possible with the right mindset.
Crack cocaine was Richard Harvey’s hard drug of choice, however those dark days are behind him, as he completed an epic run from Stanger to Munster to raise awareness on addiction last week.
He was offered support and camaraderie along his nearly 300km journey by fellow runners from various clubs as he also raised funds for Waynol Christian and Anti-Narcotics Manor, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre on the South Coast.
“My motivation for the challenge was being sober for a year from my long road of addiction,” said Richard (30) who hails from Mtunzini on the North Coast.
At the same time, he wanted to inspire other addicts and the general public that anything was possible with the right mindset.
“The route for the run was designed to include the different areas where Waynol was located,” said Kevin Trevaskis, who accompanied Richard.
Kevin also saw to the logistics and ensured everything ran smoothly.
The event started on November 13 in the Stanger city centre which saw Richard run the first leg of 30km to Ballito.
The next day, he tackled 31km from Ballito to Umhlanga accompanied by Dolphin Coast Striders and Barry Holland who had run 47 Comrades Marathons.
On November 15, Richard ran from Umhlanga to Kloof, a distance of 41km with Dean Wight of Beloved Long Runs.
He started each run at 5am and averaged six minutes per kilometre. Afterwards, he rested at sponsored accommodation facilities.
From Kloof, Richard ran 29km to Ushaka Marine World with Bluff Athletics Club.
He said running alongside other athletes was ‘amazing and the best feeling ever.’
“I think if I was on my own, I would have given up. But being alongside the running community, it was cool to talk to them. The best part was getting to know everyone.”
From Ushaka, Richard leapfrogged to Amanzimtoti due to safety concerns on advice of other runners.
On November 17, Amanzimtoti Athletics Clubs members ran alongside him for 32km to Scottburgh on the R102.
The following day, he undertook what he described as the ‘toughest route’ of 42km from Scottburgh to Hibberdene with runners from the Scottburgh Athletics Club.
The next leg from Hibberdene to Port Shepstone was the shortest distance overall – 21.3km where he was accompanied by South Coast Striders.
It was an early start again for the final leg of 45km to Munster last Friday where Richard was joined by runners from different clubs.
He arrived at Waynol in Munster at about 10am.
Richard started running about two years ago. He has completed a few short marathons and ultra trail runs.
For just over two months, he trained for his challenge by running a distance of about 450km.
“Running is different to other sport. It challenges you, cleanses the soul. It’s something only runners will understand,” he said.
Richard was determined to finish as he said ”addicts never finish anything they start.”
His downward spiral into addiction started at the age of 15, however it all came to a head in 2017.
“I couldn’t handle it and lost control.”
He was also in and out of rehab.
At the same time his relationship with his family also suffered.
“I had to hit rock bottom to rebuild my life.”
Richard credits CEO of Waynol, Craig Falconer with helping him overcome his addiction.
Once he was on the road to recovery, it also brought him closer to his family.
“God played a huge a role in my life during this time.”
In the long term Richard intends to raise more money for charity, as well as assist other addicts interested in running.
The funds raised are still being tallied.
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