Finals stretch: Crazy Dave is expected to complete his journey today

Week 6

When he left, he was simply known as Crazy Dave. Nearing completion of his 1 900-kilometre run from Mbombela to Cape Town, he is now known as “Inspirational” Dave and “Brave” Dave.

Dave Busschau is way ahead of schedule and is expected to finish his journey after just over 40 days. That is five days less than anticipated. He was initially planning on doing 40 to 50 kilometres per day, and hoped after 45 days he will be at the Waterfront.

But, when he was running through the Karoo, he ran during the evenings, and some days finished more than 60 kilometres, putting him ahead of schedule. He is expected to reach Cape Town tomorrow. On Friday, he left the Karoo and arrived in Ceres, which is about 120 kilometres from the Mother City. Saturday he ran through Bainskloof to Wellington, a distance of 53 kilometres.

On Sunday, he ran to Durbanville (42 kilometres), and on Monday, he ran “very slowly” to Bloubergstrand. Yesterday, he ran into the city, but didn’t finish just yet.

He enjoyed a journey up Table Mountain and today, finish his journey at the V&A Waterfront at around 12. “And then I’m finished running – not for life, but for October at least.”

This one-of-kind marathon runner took on the proverbial titan of all marathons for his 50th birthday, not just for fun but for charity.

As of Monday, he was R18 728 short of a R55 000 target.

Donations can still be made to the trust account:

Bank: Standard Bank

Branch code: 051001

Account number: 032 582 781

Reference: BUS10/0001 – Crazy Dave.

Week 6

Dave Busschau, also known as Crazy Dave, is way ahead of his schedule and is expected to finish his journey from Mbombela to Cape Town in just over 40 days.

He was initially planning on doing 40 to 50 kilometres per day and hoped after 45 days he will be on top of Table Mountain. But, when he was running through the Karoo, he some days finished more than 60 kilometres per day, putting him ahead of his schedule. He is expected to reach Cape Town in around a week. On Friday, he was approaching Ceres, which is about 140 kilometres from his 1 900 kilometre destination.

Week 4

They say that only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.

This rings true for local long-distance running machine, Crazy Dave (Busschau), who is 570 kilometres from finishing a mammoth 1 900 kilometres from here to Cape Town.

This one-of-kind marathon runner is currently taking on the proverbial titan of all marathons for his 50th birthday, not only for fun but for charity too. Known as the gem of the Karoo, Dave reached Loxton; a whopping 1 330 kilometres away from his hometown.

“I’ve discovered many lovely towns on my journey, but Loxton in the upper Karoo is by far the prettiest and most peaceful,” said Dave. “I’ve seen some beautiful sunrises and picturesque landscapes, but by far the most beautiful thing I’ve seen is the generosity of the people I’ve crossed paths with,” he said, and added that they have been more than accommodating along the way. After 1 100 kilometres, his first pair of shoes had gone, and before he knew it, a brand new pair was purchased and sent his way.

“It’s small gestures like that which make this trip worthwhile,” he said. “I am learning so much about people and seeing the good side of all South Africans. People have been helping me, having no idea who I am,” he said.

“One of the best things about running is that everyone is equal while they are putting the kilometres behind them. It’s all about you, your mind, your body and your fellow travellers as you push yourself and one another to achieve even greater distances than you imagined possible,” said Dave.

He is expected to reach Cape Town on October 16. So far, R5 750 has been raised, which will be paid to the Nelspruit SPCA and to underprivileged runners when he reaches his final destination.  

Week 3

Dave Busschau, also known as Crazy Dave, is in week three of his journey from Mbombela to Cape Town.

Today he reached Vanderkloof in the Northern Cape – which is just over halfway. He has just over 20 days left of a mammoth 1 900 kilometre run/walk for charity.

Week 2

Dave Busschau, also known as Crazy Dave, has been part of the Lowveld community for about 25 years. Longtime residents would remember him as the owner of Mike’s Kitchen and Old Vic Pub, the latter of which was situated in a church.

He’s also a tour operator and the owner of Old Vic Travellers Inn. This one-of-kind marathon runner is currently celebrating his 50th birthday by running around 1 900 kilometres in just 45 days – which boils down to just over 40 kilometres per day – not only for fun but for charity too. He kicked off day 10 in Petrus Steyn in a bitingly cold Eastern Fee State. 

By now, he should be in Lindley.

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Week 1

For the next 41 days, Dave Busschau, also known as Crazy Dave, will not have the luxury of his comfortable bed as he embarks on an adventure to run 1 900 kilometres.

Crazy Dave put his best foot forward for charity on Saturday morning when he left the city for Cape Town, all in aid for underprivileged runners and the SPCA.

“I’m turning 50 this year. I have decided to celebrate my birthday by giving back to the community. I love running, I love my country and when you run you create positive energy for everyone around you,” he said.

Crazy Dave has been running for more than 20 years. In his long career, he completed the Comrades Marathon on many occasions. In 2004 he also ran from Mbombela to Durban.

“I’m planning to do 40 to 50 kilometres per day and I hope after 45 days I will be on top of Table Mountain.”

To show their support, Nelspruit Marathon Club sent Crazy Dave off on his journey with a prayer on Saturday before the members ran the first stretch with him.

Also read: Five ways to celebrate Arbor Week