4 000km trail run for children

Epic solo journey for charity ends today at the Waterfront

HIS LOVE for children and concern about missing kids has inspired a KwaZuluNatal man to trail-run across four African countries, all the way to Cape Town. Gaven Pedals was due to reach his destination at the V&A Waterfront today.

Pedals’ journey started on September 8r. He has spent about seven months running across borders with the aim of raising funds and awareness for Missing Children SA (MCSA).

He said people who wanted to help could send an SMS to 41 006 at a cost of R25.

“I know a lot of people have donated, but am unaware of the amount yet,” he said.

Pedals added that although he did not have children of his own, the project was close to the heart.

“Missing Children was established after two girls went missing in Cape Town and were found days later, murdered. We can all relate to children. Children are vulnerable; there is an alarming problem around their safety,” he said.

Pedals, 44, worked in the corporate world for 18 years before deciding to embark on endurance sports.

For this adventure he has been running solo on a 4 000km trail.

As part of his journey he has covered Mozambique’s south-east coast, and then turned north through the country before heading west into Zimbabwe – stopping in Harare. He also headed south-west towards Botswana.

From there he ran the breadth of Botswana and Namibia before moving south from Walvis Bay towards Cape Town.

“When you do an adventure like this you have to rely heavily on your gut, your intuition and your body. A run is slow, so the challenge when doing it alone is where are you going to sleep? But there are a lot of people always eager to host,” he said.

Pedals said he had prepared himself mentally before embarking on the run.

“Before starting the journey I tell my mind that I have already finished it. I imagine I am reaching my destination on that day; it is a mental, spiritual and physical thing,” he said.

Pedals added he does not fear the unknown.

“When I am on a trail I know anything may happen. You have to be flexible.

“I also remind myself that this is about charity and giving,” he said.

BEFORE STARTING THE RUN, I TELL MY MIND I HAVE ALREADY FINISHED IT