Mr Price virtual foundation challenge attracts thousands
The Mr Price Foundation Challenge, in partnership with Comrades Marathon, was made possible with funding and support from partners the SPAR Group, Absa Bank, TraderPlus, Expandasign, and Mr. Price Sport and took place on December 5 and 6.
The challenge featured runs and/or rides of various distances as a fund-raiser to help break the cycle of poverty and inequality in South Africa.
Local and international sports stars supported the challenge, including cricket legend Matthew Hayden, former Protea cricket players, the Sharks rugby team and the AmaZulu Football Club.
The youngest entrant in the event was five years old and the oldest 81 years old. Seventy-one-year old Derrick Tivers rode over 100km on his ‘old-school’ rollers. Tivers has twice cycled the Ride for Mr Price Foundation, a two-day 606km cycle ride from Secunda to Durban. He also has several medals to his credit from the Comrades Marathon, including two gold, eight silver and one bronze.
The Gauteng province featured the oldest participant, 81-year-old Jannie Pieters completing a 21km run in 3 hours 31 minutes, and 19 seconds. The youngest entrant was five-year-old Dante Cruz Mannen, who completed a 3km ride on the Umhlanga promenade.
Proud mom Adine Mannen said, “Dante was super excited and he was training from a week before the challenge. This will be his first medal for a public event!”
Seasoned Comrades veteran Grace de Oliveira, who posted a video of herself running the challenge with her young granddaughter, attracted thousands of views on social media. Grace has won seven gold and three silver Comrades medals over the years and has been fervently supportive of the challenge with a purpose. With contrasting temperatures to the southern hemisphere, Sara Wasilausky (New York City), Bradley Rowlett (UK) and Henk Vos (Holland) braved the cold to icy conditions to complete the challenge.
Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden also participated in the event in Brisbane, challenging other cricketers and sporting greats to join the cause.
Karen Wells, head of the Mr Price Foundation who was overwhelmed by the interest and support the virtual event received, said, “Whether it was 3km or 300km, regardless of the distance covered, we are thankful for every single entry, every single step taken, and every young South African’s life that will be impacted as a result of your support through our high-impact education and skills development programmes.
With entries from Australia, the USA, Sweden, Germany, the UAE, Canada, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and of course sunny South Africa, thank you for making this a truly global challenge. We look forward to you taking on the challenge once again next year!”
