Laskey raises R35 000 for Choc

With 47 seconds to spare Bedfordview runner Richard Laskey completed the Comrades Marathon and raised over R35 000 for the Childhood Cancer Foundation (Choc).

Dressed in his Choc Cow onesie, the former Jeppe High School for Boys old boy completed the 90km ultramarathon in a time of 11 hours, 59 minutes and 13 seconds.

Earlier this year, Laskey took up the challenge to raise funds for the foundation.

When the NEWS previously spoke to Laskey he had raised over R14 500.

2018 marked Laskey’s 20th year doing the Comrades and his 10th year raising funds for Choc.

Also read: Cutting it close: Choc runner finishes Comrades with seconds to spare

“I can definitely say that I am glad that the marathon is over,” said Laskey.

“This year’s marathon was my slowest time.”

He said the first 30km of the marathon was the hardest for him.

“I was just nauseous and was throwing up when one of my friends passed me, she told me that I looked like death,” he said.

After taking a Valoid and a Rehydrate from his friend, Laskey was able to push through and continue running.

“Comrades is the ultimate leveler. No matter how good you are you will struggle at some point,” said Laskey.

“At one stage I was in a dark place. I was swearing and arguing with myself.

Also read: Jeppe Old Boy ready to take on Comrades in aid of Choc children

“I got through the tough parts with the support of other runners and by telling myself just to suck it up, princess.”

Although this year’s marathon was one of the toughest for Laskey, he is glad he completed it.

“It was a long day but it was an amazing experience. There were so many Choc Cows on the route from all over the world.”

Laskey said the support from fellow runners and supporters on the route was special.

“At one point I passed a group of children from an orphanage. Some of them were in wheelchairs but all they wanted were high fives from the runners.

“Seeing that made me so thankful that I was able to run the marathon for children in need.”

Another special moment for Laskey was when he entered the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

He said when he entered the stadium, he was greeted by the screaming and shouting of all the supporters in the stadium.

“The emotions that were evoked in everyone was amazing.”

Also read: R12 500 raised during CHOC time trial fund-raiser

Laskey said it was great to see strangers shouting their support for the last few runners.

“After I crossed the finish line with 47 seconds left I just started crying,” said Laskey.

“I think I was just physically drained and just emotionally grateful.”

The funds raised by Laskey will be donated to Choc.

“I am definitely going to continue running, this won’t be my last Comrades. There are many more adventures ahead.”

Laskey thanked everyone who donated to Choc for their support and their assistance.