ALONG with his fundraising prize, well-known Upper Highway runner Dean Wight was also presented with the Spirit of Comrades Award.

The award recognises outstanding individuals who contribute in meaningful ways to the Comrades Marathon and to society in general.

To date, Wight has raised R2 553 565 for the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust (HACT) through the Comrades Marathon.

Also read: Dean steps it up for Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust

The selfless runner also raises funds for other charities in separate events.

Wight has run 30 Comrades and has inspired many people to join the runners fraternity. He has also won the Top Fundraiser award for the last six years.

He said he is extremely overwhelmed by this award.

“For me, it’s the pinnacle of all Comrades awards for the regular Comrades runner.”

Wight started raising funds for Comrades charities when he received a phone call from HACT and said he thought to himself: “This is another awesome reason to run Comrades because I have so many generous running and non-running friends, and my lovely wife and I just love to give,” he said.

This year, Wight raised R471 650.

He attributed his love for running to his grandfather. “My grandfather was a runner, and I wanted to take after him. I ran my first Comrades in 1988.”

He said Comrades is something he always looks forward to as it’s just the best day of the year.

“The comradeship of fellow runners and supporters is just indescribable. Everybody has to do one just to experience the ‘Ubuntu’. I wouldn’t miss a Comrades for anything – it’s just amazing,” he said with pride.

Wight is also an honorary life member of Queensburgh Harriers.

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