More miles, more smiles
Teacher tackles the Dryland Traverse Adventure
Putting smiles on the faces of those who cannot smile will be a top priority for Port Elizabeth teacher Grant Auths when he tackles the Dryland Traverse Adventure Trail Run next month.
Auths, 28, armed with his love for sport and a passion for teaching, will tackle the fourday stage race to be held in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape from November 1-4.
As part of his race, he will look to raise funds for the Smile Foundation, in a bid to make the lives of young children better.
“I’m an educator, and enjoy making a difference in the lives of children.
“Tanya Jackson, regional coordinator of the Smile Foundation in PE, asked me if I was willing to participate in the event,” Auths said.
The race covers roughly 74km over four days and will take runners from the Cango Caves to the snow-packed peaks of the Swartberg range, ending on day four at the base camp in De Hoek Mountain resort.
Through this initiative, Auths hopes to raise R10,000 in donations which would go towards the foundation.
A grade 7 teacher at Clarendon Park Primary School, Auths started road running about four years ago as a way to regain his fitness.
His trail running exploits began only about a year and a half ago.
“Having spent much of my time road running, I was looking for something new.
“I’ve done two Comrades marathons and earlier this year I did the 76km distance at the Addo Trail Run.”
Of his training regime in preparation for the event, Auths said he tried to get in at least 30km a week on the road.
He uses weekends to run on trails in the Baakens Valley area.
“With school and sports, it is difficult to run on the trails during the week, so I dedicate my weekends to getting in as much runs on various trails as possible,” he said.
“I believe that children should always be happy.
“They have enough worries once they turn 1, so when they are under 18, the key for them is to be happy, enjoy school, sports and everything they do.
“Putting a smile on someone’s face is great for me to see,” he said.
A Back-a-Buddy crowdfunding page has been set up to assist in the donations, and so far, has brought in more than R6,000, through family and friends.
Anyone who would like to donate can visit the page on www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/grant-drylandtraverse-smile