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Besides our run training initiatives , we cooperate with various strategic partners to supply vital resources , such as running equipment , participation opportunities in significant running events , and community development projects , which further contribute to the overall growth and empowerment of the Fisantekraal community .
INSPIRATIONAL RESULTS
Over the past five years , the group has come together every Sunday morning , not just as a running group , but as a family . The crew is diverse , aged between 16 and 50 years old , from all walks of life , and from every corner of Africa . Some of them just want to run to keep fit , some use it as a social opportunity , some use it as safe escape from a dysfunctional home environment , and some run because they want to show off their natural talent , which in some cases , is incredibly inspiring .
The one thing they all have in common , though , is that they love running , and want what this represents for them on a deep personal level . They run as a group in the area around Fisantekraal and complete a 10km to 15km training run each week on the neighbouring farms . The core group of 25 to 30 runners also actively participates in the local racing scene in Cape Town , including entering the big races such as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon , the Sportsman Warehouse Winelands Half Marathon and Full Marathon , the Curro Half Marathon in Durbanville and the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon .
Just one of the inspirational members of For The Long Run , Lucky , is a security guard at a private school in Durbanville . He has even taken on the formidable challenge of the Comrades Marathon , running it twice and clocking times between 7:40 and 8:45 . Lucky has been financially supported by his employer , because of the man of honour that he is , and his expmaple has inspired others to follow in his ultra-marathon footsteps .
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As a result , in 2024 , Lucky will be joined by Ibrahim and Ennocent , and together they will all tackle the Ultimate Human Race this June . Ennocent has qualified comfortably with an A seeding , Lucky with a B seeding , and Ibrahim with a D seeding . Ibrahim is currently unemployed , but has worked in the formal sector , and Ennocent has been employed as an eggpicker with the same company for almost a decade .
Group member Frans proudly displays his Peninsula Marathon medal .
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MAKING ENDS MEET
For The Long Run is blessed annually by loyal supporters and donors , and I am profoundly grateful to our loyal cheerleaders , Totalsports , Nike and Spur Corporation ( Navaho Spur , Brackenfell ), who have stood by our side for three incredible years . Their unwavering commitment to our cause has transformed lives and provided endless opportunities for our runners .
Totalsports provides our runners with kit and race entries for the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon and Half Marathon events , in February , their generosity reached new heights with the donation of 34 brand new pairs of Nike Vomero Pegasus 40 shoes , plus a Shadow Shift fundraiser to get some runners to the Comrades Marathon in 2024 ! We are also in discussions with Jaryd Browne of Peak Training for a future partnership in the Western Cape , to find feet for ‘ pre-loved ’ running shoes . ( You can read more about Peak Training ’ s own community-based running initiative , Project Run in our March edition . – Ed .)
These shoes are not just footwear ; they are symbols of hope , empowerment , and endless possibilities . Every stride our runners take in these donated shoes represents the triumph of the human spirit . With each step , they show that challenges can be conquered , dreams can be achieved , and barriers can be broken .
Meanwhile , we also have a generous ‘ angel funder ’ in Scotland who ensures that we have race transport from Fair Cape Shuttles to get the runners to events . This donor also funds water , juice and fruit every Sunday for our runs . The funds raised at the most recent Shadow Shift at Navaho Spur will go towards getting Ibrahim and Ennocent to the Comrades , with Anlin Tours . There are also countless individuals who make a world of difference through their donations and support . Whether big or small , every contribution fuels our mission , transforming lives one step , one kilometre , one race at a time . Together , we ’ re not just running ; we ’ re making strides towards a better future for all .
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Images : Courtesy For The Long Run |