Nokuthula Ntuli
Two runners will push their endurance limits to raise funds, writes
FORMER Durban resident Hazel Moller and her friend Tumelo Makobane plan to run a distance equivalent to 10 Comrades Marathons in 10 days to raise funds for charity.
The Joburg-based athletes will complete their 900km feat by running the official Comrades, from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, on June 4. The aim is to raise funds for Underdogs SA, a Pretoria-based non-profit organisation which is involved in the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of abused and unwanted pit bulls.
“A friend told me if one feels blessed, one should pass those blessings on. That is why I started using ultra-distance running to raise money and awareness for animal rescue centres. In 2013 I did my first fund-raiser for domestic animal rescue and shelters. I ran 322km in 42 hours. Toughest thing I have ever done, but I only raised R33 000,” said Moller.
After seeing the potential she officially founded the Ten10 campaign in 2014 and has only completed the challenge once due to ill health and injuries she suffered on the road during her other attempts.
“In 2014 I was so involved with planning that by day six I had a stomach ulcer and had to stop so I could run the actual Comrades three days later. Last year I jumped off the road on day four to avoid being hit by a vehicle and tore the fascia in my lower leg,” she explained.
They are both avid runners and Moller’s background includes breaking the South African 24-hour