MAD2Run 2016 — from Jozi to Cape Town

Education has been one of the hottest topics in South Africa over the past couple of months — and for good reason. Debates continue to rage around education in terms of cost, accessibility and standards. We won’t reach a solution anytime soon as there are many factors to consider. However, for our country to go forward, improve the social standing of its citizens and a ensure a better future, we need education to be accessible to as many people as possible.

That is why CN&CO’s resident engineer, Rob Christian, will be participating in MAD2Run 2016 — a super-ultra-mega running relay from Johannesburg to Cape Town ahead of the Two Oceans Half-Marathon.

Several years ago a group of friends decided they wanted to make a difference in the country somehow. That  idea lead to Shaun Raaff, one of the founder-members of MAD2Run, developing the concept of a an ultra distance relay. “We decided to raise money in the build-up to the event and donate it to the Make A Difference Leadership Foundation (MAD) started by SA rugby legend Francois Pienaar”, says Shaun. When Shaun and Rob connected last year, it was a no-brainer for Team Shake ‘n Bake to get involved.

Some of the MAD’16 crew at a treadmill fundraiser

Simple to talk about, a lot harder to implement in reality. The logistics of running from Johannesburg to Cape Town are no small feat to organise.

On 18 March, 12 runners will begin their week-long run, with somebody running at all hours of the day.

“It’s one giant team relay, with each runner completing a minimum of 20kms a day for a week,” explains Rob. “Running at all hours of the day and night in different outfits and through some of South Africa’s lesser known towns, the goal of the run is simple: raise as much money for education as possible.”

At the end of the relay, the participants will participate in the Two Oceans Half Marathon in Cape Town and hand over a cheque to the MAD Foundation.

“We’d obviously love that cheque to be as large as possible,” says Rob, “and call on anyone who’d like to make a donation to visit the MAD2Run donations page and drop us a bit of coin.”

“We would also be delighted with any non-financial support — anything at all! If you’re keen to get involved, drop me an email or a tweet.”

Don’t be shy. Do it for the children. Do it for our country.