Ultra athletes tackle Cape to Durban challenge

“THE human spirit is amazing,” an emotional Nicolette “Lettie” Heyns said after local ultra athlete Steve Black crossed the finish line close to Vetchies Pier on Friday afternoon.

Black, who ran 1950km over the past month was beaten by surfski rival Clyde Barendse in their Coastal Challenge charity race from Cape point to Durban by nineteen hours. The aim of the race was to raise funds for cancer survivor, Lettie Heyns and create cancer awareness.

“I'm absolutely emotional because it is hard to comprehend that someone will do such a drastic challenge to support you. Especially because your fight is as hard as theirs,” Lettie said tearfully, then added laughing, her other nickname is onion because she weeps easily.

The incredibly strong and motivating Lettie was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago. She has had to fight the recurring cancer four times and was left with sky high medical bills after exhausting her medical aid.

Clyde said paddling from Cape Town to Durban was something he had always wanted to do so when he mentioned he would like to do it to raise funds for Lettie to her husband Nick, the idea sparked the challenge. Steve, who had known Nick and Lettie for many years told them of his planned adventure run after recently turning 60. “Originally the idea was a bit selfish, and about me proving that I could run from Cape Town to Durban, but it has become a vehicle for helping Lettie and raising cancer awareness,” he said.

Steve has been running since he was a boy and competed in 11 Comrades marathons, Dusi marathons and many road and endurance races over the years. “I once ran from Durban to Knysna to visit my daughter, that was about 1000 kms so this was double the amount with a lot more challenges.

Black said he thought of Lettie, her attitude towards the sickness and constant fight which motivated him through the challenges of the race as well. His supportive wife, Lulu, was his seconder throughout the race. “I had to keep on the now, and not think about the tomorrow but just stay focused. Cape Point was so cold with many rivers to cross. It was lonely and when swimming you get washed into the sea, you think about sharks, drowning and making the newspaper for all the wrong reasons,” he joked.

The two sportsmen's seconders, Tom Bodley and Lulu Black were happy to be part of the adventure for a good cause. “There were a few late landings, but its easy to second when you trust your athlete,” said Tom who seconded Clyde.

Lulu who played seconder, wife and cook to Steve said she was only left really worried while in the Wild coast. “We lost our paddler and runner there and had to wait overnight. I was a bit worried because I was afraid they were hurt or injured,” she said.

Steve said the Lettie Festival Challenge was ongoing and hoped to continue to raise funds.

Visit www.coastalchallenge.co.za for more information or to donate to the cause online.