Teacher’s 400km quest raises funds
A ST Dominic’s Priory Grade 5 teacher recently returned from arguably the most gruelling race in the world – the Munga Trail Race – and in the process raised thousands of rands in aid of the Smile Foundation.
Bradley Hyman, 30, took on the extremely arduous 400km trail race at the end of last month, that starts in the town of Belfast, Mpumalanga.
The five-day race follows the escarpment in a north easterly direction for 400km before finishing on the rim of the third largest canyon in the world, The Blyde River Canyon.
Hyman finished the 400km in four days and was placed fifth overall. To date, Hyman’s crowd-funding page has attracted donations to the amount of about R8 500. The race is non-stop, with a 120-hour cut-off time, nine waterpoints and five race villages along the course. The runners navigate primarily by GPS as they pass through private land, forestry areas and nature reserves.
Hyman said yesterday the race stayed true to its tagline of being the toughest race in the world.
“It is very tough on your feet as you can imagine but probably the most challenging aspect is the lack of sleep. But it is an incredible feeling of achievement at the end of the race,” he said.
“I started running about three years ago, after going through a lifestyle change. But honestly, I hardly trained too much for this race. But I am happy none the less that I was able to achieve the result and raise funds for the Smile Foundation in the process.”