Dad clocks close to 2 000km to be there for his kids today
AFTER running 1 900km from Cape Town to Durban, a Western Cape fisherman will tackle the Comrades Marathon today.
Marius Brown, 45, began his Redemption Run on April 16, to, he said, atone for abandoning his children.
Yesterday, Brown reached Durban after visiting 33 towns over 43 days to raise awareness about the issue of absent fathers and the impact this has on their children and society.
He is dedicating today’s Comrades run to all fathers in the police service.
“This is my fourth Comrades, although last year’s one I did not complete. This time I shall definitely make the finish; even if I have to crawl I shall do it. I know the home stretch to Durban will be tough, but I am determined to beat the pain,” said Brown.
Along his journey from Cape Town he visited police stations and addressed community gatherings.
His run, which is supported FINAL LEG: Marius Brown runs past Scottburgh on the KwaZuluNatal South Coast this week by Sonke Gender Justice and the Department of Social Development, aims to promote the active participation of men in the lives of their children and partners, in response to the prevalence of absent fathers in South Africa.
The father of three said that for most of his life he grew up without an active father and vowed he would never let his children feel that empty space.
“I remember how alone, lost and confused I felt after my parents separated following years of constant fighting.”
But Brown became estranged from his children following his divorce from his wife.
“I couldn’t handle what was happening and took to alcohol. My father was drunk all the time. I didn’t know what it was to be a good father. I said I would never let that happen to my children, but I did the same thing,” he said.
“Through personal experience I strongly believe that the fatherless and those who are not cared for properly are more susceptible to crime than those in more stable homes with an active father or father figure.”
Research shows that in the 13 years between 1996 and 2009, the number of absent fathers in South Africa increased 6% to 48% of all registered births.
“The run actually brought me and my children together,” said Brown.