Marathon man to run gruelling 420km solo to raise funds to help save dogs
COMMITTED to giving back to the small community of Oudtshoorn, avid athlete and road racer, Gerhard Rademeyer, will tackle his biggest challenge yet in the name of charity.
Rademeyer, 56, is currently in training to run a solo endurance race for 420km to raise R1 million in aid of Oudtshoorn NGO, Oudtshoorn Dogs In Need (Odin), next month.
“This is my way of giving back to the community. Odin does amazing work in the community by rescuing dogs and educating people in those communities how to best care for their furry friends.
“I became a marathon runner during 1990 and since then have run about 300 races including three Comrades marathons, nine Two Oceans marathons and many other smaller races. I am committed and very excited about this challenge I set out for myself,” said Rademeyer.
He had intended to take on the solo endurance race more than a year ago but had to postpone the initiative to recover from a leg injury.
“I am confident with my training at the moment that I will conquer this challenge,” said Rademeyer.
Rademeyer will start his 80-hour race at the Bellville Velodrome Athletics Field covering the 420km via Montagu and Robertson, ending off at the Oudtshoorn Athletics race venue.
“My brother will be joining me in a vehicle as support.
“I will be taking power naps and short breaks to eat and rest along the way.
“My strategy is to start off slow in the first half of the race so I can save my energy for the second half where there will only be one pass but the road will be more flat,” he said.
Odin chairperson Colleen Smith said they were excited about Rademeyer's commitment to donate to their organisation.
“We are tremendously excited because it is a big challenge but we believe if you do something with passion, then anything is possible,” said Smith.
“Our focus is to educate, medicate, rescue and re-home. We have two kennel spaces located in Oudtshoorn and George which see up to 300 dogs at any one time. We do daily outreach programmes and we are totally reliant on donations,” she said.
Funds will go toward their monthly veterinary costs which can run up to around R200 000. To donate, deposits can be made to: Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need (NPO 206-528)
Nedbank Cheque Account 117 642 1395
Branch code 198765 Reference: ODIN endurance Swift Nr NEDSZAJJ
Proof of Payment can be sent to Rademeyer on 074 506 9279.