Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
‘Shoe-in’ for fund-raising victory
Manager of Run4Schools Foundation completes Two Oceans in school shoes for a good cause
RUNNING a 56km marathon in a pair of school shoes can have painful consequences – like losing toenails and having blisters on your feet.
This was the case for Frank Steyn, manager of the Run4Schools Foundation in Mitchells Plain.
He competed for the first time in a pair of school shoes at the Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon last weekend.
However, despite the suffering along the way, Steyn managed to finish the race in 7hr 16min 33sec, but most importantly, he raised R66402 through donations from family, friends and people on social media who saw his post on Facebook in January.
This will put a huge smile on many children’s faces as money raised will go to buying more than 200 pairs of new school shoes.
The idea came about after Steyn saw the condition of the shoes of a group of boys at Northwood Primary School.
“I’m very happy with completing my goal and that I made this become a reality for so many who don’t have school shoes. Thinking about the children that were waiting for me along the route, and family and friends at the finish line, and the goal I set myself, kept me motivated,” said Steyn.
He also credits his fellow runners with encouraging him along the way.
“I enjoyed my fellow runners helping me to finish the race, as many of them were shocked to see me compete in school shoes. At one point, I thought I wouldn’t finish in time but I kept believing and stayed positive,” he said.
On April 22, Steyn, from Eerste River, took to social media and posted on Facebook: “I went to war with the road and I achieved my goal, thank you Lord. I’m humbled by the experience.… Happy I could inspire so many on the road and in my circle,” he said.
Theodorah Lutuli, who replied on Steyn’s Facebook status, wrote: “Wow incredible, I have no words for you. It is true that when you have found your ‘Purpose’ you run with it and nobody and nothing can stop you. Nothing brings more satisfaction than community work. Get involved and experience it.”
Danelle Assure wrote: “You in the running of being a freaking legend. God bless your good work.”
The former Woodlands High School pupil, who grew up in Colorado Park, said he began running after a former neighbour, Elizabeth Fredericks, encouraged him to run with her.
“Today I’m thankful for her helping me reach so many people through running. Growing up in Mitchells Plain, I could see it was somewhat lost as an area. This is the reason I will always give back, doing what I love.
“I’m an average guy and enjoy fun times, working hard and just being me,” he said.