Meet some people involved with MAD2Run

ONE may want to know if they are really mad in attempting this effort to make a difference with the MAD2Run race.

But as stated in our front page story, there is method to their madness in taking on 1 500km either on a bicycle or running.

The RECORD spoke to a beneficiary, a cyclist and a runner to find out what MAD2Run means to them.

Tumi Matlou

Tumi Matlou (28) is taking on the long kilometres down to Cape Town on April 12. She says she has been running almost all of her life, but only started taking things seriously in 2015 and has slowly but surely been working on her fitness and getting back into her running shoes.

Her involvement with MAD2Run began when she met one of the organisers of the movement, Dayle Raaff, during last year’s Comrades Marathon, who told her about the run to Cape Town to support the MAD (Making A Difference) Leadership foundation.

“I thought to myself I had never run for a purpose before,” said Tumi. “Running had become my life, but it haD always been for selfish reasons. It was time to run for someone else.”

Tumi feels that the cause is very important to her as she was also supported to achieve her degree through a similar organisation. “I see myself in the same boat,” she said. “I think it is important for us to give as well and not just to take.”

Tumi is excited to be taking part in the long journey, especially achieving the goals she set for herself. She wants to push herself to help collect even more funds for the cause. “I’m very excited about the mental part of the run.”

The hardest part of the run down to Cape Town, she feels, will be staying disciplined and getting the nutrition she needs to keep going. “I want to be able to keep on going when my body can’t.”

Cassandra Mnisi

Cassandra Mnisi (20) is a MAD scholar and a beneficiary of the MAD Leadership Foundation that is assisting her in achieving a degree.

She is currently a third-year student at UJ, studying strategic and corporate communication.

Cassandra had the opportunity to meet the people from MAD when she was in Grade 10 when an NPO from Hoedspruit near her home introduced the learners at her school to the opportunity the MAD foundation provides.

After a series of interviews, Cassandra became a MAD scholar that year. “When it happened, it created so many opportunities for me,” said Cassandra. “After that I felt secure about my future. I am working hard to say thanks for the support they have given to me.”

She feels that the MAD foundation serves a very important function as it is much easier for people to achieve things and work hard with the support they provide.

To the people taking part in the MAD2Run, she can only say that these are the people whom we should call leaders. “Leaders who help other people are an example and inspiration,” said Cassandra.

“You can participate in anything and can change the world through something as simple as running. As a MAD scholar, it’s an example for me and people like me who are the future leaders in South Africa.”

Raffaele Mc Cready

Raffaele Mc Cready (35) is taking on his second MAD2Ride this year, assuming the position of leader of the riders taking the trip down to Cape Town.

He has been riding since 2014 when he, like many others, got roped into doing the 947 Cycle Challenge. Since then Raffaele has fallen in love with it, citing not just fitness, but the total disconnect that comes with riding.

“Because you have to have both hands on the handlebars, you don’t have time to answer a phone,” said Raffaele. He said that it’s a great way to meet like-minded individuals.

Going on his second trip, Raffaele said part of the appeal of the trip to him is doing something so outlandish. “People do a double take when they hear that you’re not driving down, you’re riding down.”

This year, aside from being the leader, he is the only one to do the MAD2Ride a second time.

He is mostly looking forward to the before and after of the people joining him on the trip. “The people who arrive are not the same ones who left,” said Raffaele.

This year Raffaee has to focus on the safety aspect of the trip as well. It’s his responsibility to get everyone there safe. “Cycling is a team sport.”

Raffaele believes that the MAD2Adventure is an important platform for people to help others. “Raising money is not the problem,” said Raffaele. “people want to help, it’s human nature. What they don’t know is how they can contribute.”

He believes that developing technology is the key to more people having the opportunity to contribute to help others.

https://www.facebook.com/MAD2Adventures/videos/343014253224308/

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