Edleen runner to complete Cape Town Marathon for kids with cancer
'One day of sore legs is a drop in the ocean compared to what children with cancer have to go through every day'
Charl Whitaker (43) from Edleen is not only a top athlete but also one who cares.
On Sunday he will complete the Cape Town Marathon as a pacer for those hoping to complete the race in four hours and 20 minutes.
This he will do in aid of the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC).
On the day Whitaker won’t be seen in his usual running gear but will be dressed as a cow called Bully Beef.
“September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and I hope to raise some funds for the cause,” the Kempton Road Runner told Express.
“One day of sore legs is a drop in the ocean compared to what children with cancer have to go through every day,” the runner added.
“You always see the children smiling although they’re in so much pain. I’m doing this for them.”
Whitaker is well prepared for the giant task ahead. He gets up at 4am each morning to run between eight and 15km. On weekends he can be seen completing up to 42km.
He is also no stranger to long-distance running. He has 12 Comrades Marathons to his name, two of which he also ran for CHOC.
If you’ll be watching the marathon on television, remember to keep an eye out for this kind-hearted runner. He’ll be the one shouting “who let the cows out?” with the runners behind him answering “moo, moo, moo.”
To donate to Whitaker’s cause, residents can visit https://goo.gl/F8XjD5. He hopes to raise R6 500 by the end of September. He is currently on R1 400.
