THREE days and 92km later, 20 of East London’s “wild women” completed the challenge of running along the Wild Coast raising money for charity and in joyous spirits.
Their venture, “Wild Women On The Run” (WWOTR), began on March 21 as they ran from Glen Eden to Mazeppa Bay in three days trying to raise at least R30000 for local charities, African Angels and Busfare Babies.
In last year’s run in which 17 women took part, they raised R30000. So the brave ladies were delighted to learn that this year they not only managed to match that amount, but had raised R60000 – and the promise of more to come in.
One of the “Wild Women” and local sportswoman, Kim van Kets, said this year’s experience had exceeded her expectations and she described “the sense of freedom and adventure” as one of the highlights of the experience.
“In nearly 40 years on this planet I am yet to experience anything that can match the pure unadulterated joy of finding myself running in some wild and beautiful place as the sun rises and the light is at its most glorious,” said van Kets.
“To revel in the exquisite beauty of nature, the strength of one’s limbs, lungs and heart and the matchless sense of freedom that this cocktail produces is an ecstasy second to none,” she added.
The team of 20 women comprised both novice and ultra-marathon runners between the ages of 25 and 50.
Runner and co-owner of Lifestyle Health & Fitness, Lucille van der Merwe, said although the run was for a good cause, the event was also an opportunity for some women to take time off from their busy lives as mothers, employees and employers.
“I’d love to see more women running, especially trail running. I have only been running for three years and it has truly changed my life forever,” she said.
“I also hope that we can continue to support charities and make a difference in other peoples lives through our adventures.”
Bonnie Currin, national recruitment manager of sponsor Kempston Group, said what she had learned from this experience was that anything is achievable once your mind is set on it.
“It was an unbelievable experience; my initial expectation was just to finish the 92km, but in the end, that was only one of the many wonderful benefits – from the strong bonds formed, a great sense of pride and a new found respect from my family and friends which has turned into a motivation for so many other people to set high goals for themselves,” she said.
The official handover of funds to the charities will take place on April 26 at Murambi Country Kitchen. —
Charities benefit after ‘wild women’ finish epic trail run
Their venture, “Wild Women On The Run” (WWOTR), began on March 21 as they ran from Glen Eden to Mazeppa Bay in three days trying to raise at least R30000 for local charities, African Angels and Busfare Babies.
In last year’s run in which 17 women took part, they raised R30000. So the brave ladies were delighted to learn that this year they not only managed to match that amount, but had raised R60000 – and the promise of more to come in.
One of the “Wild Women” and local sportswoman, Kim van Kets, said this year’s experience had exceeded her expectations and she described “the sense of freedom and adventure” as one of the highlights of the experience.
“In nearly 40 years on this planet I am yet to experience anything that can match the pure unadulterated joy of finding myself running in some wild and beautiful place as the sun rises and the light is at its most glorious,” said van Kets.
“To revel in the exquisite beauty of nature, the strength of one’s limbs, lungs and heart and the matchless sense of freedom that this cocktail produces is an ecstasy second to none,” she added.
The team of 20 women comprised both novice and ultra-marathon runners between the ages of 25 and 50.
Runner and co-owner of Lifestyle Health & Fitness, Lucille van der Merwe, said although the run was for a good cause, the event was also an opportunity for some women to take time off from their busy lives as mothers, employees and employers.
“I’d love to see more women running, especially trail running. I have only been running for three years and it has truly changed my life forever,” she said.
“I also hope that we can continue to support charities and make a difference in other peoples lives through our adventures.”
Bonnie Currin, national recruitment manager of sponsor Kempston Group, said what she had learned from this experience was that anything is achievable once your mind is set on it.
“It was an unbelievable experience; my initial expectation was just to finish the 92km, but in the end, that was only one of the many wonderful benefits – from the strong bonds formed, a great sense of pride and a new found respect from my family and friends which has turned into a motivation for so many other people to set high goals for themselves,” she said.
The official handover of funds to the charities will take place on April 26 at Murambi Country Kitchen. —
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