DURBAN North resident, Trish Eksteen, is on a mission of raising spirits during the Covid-19 pandemic by attempting to break a Guinness World Record. The professional obstacle course athlete is hoping to run 100 half marathons in 100 consecutive days. According to Eksteen the current record for ‘Most consecutive days running an official half marathon’ is 74.

When Northglen News met Eksteen last week, she had already completed 50 of the half marathons which are a distance 21.1km. A large part of her mammoth task is creating mental health awareness and running for those who have lost hope during this difficult time.

“It has been really tough and there are days where my body fights me but mentally I’m strong and I’m able to push through. It is a strange feeling but everyday I have to recommit to this purpose. And none of this would be possible without my husband, Claude and my support structure. He has managed my recovery process and ensured that I’m ready for the challenges that lay ahead,” she explained.

Incredibly Eksteen has burned more than 55 000 calories during her half marathon runs and to ensure her distances are recognised she is running an extra 0.1km.

“I’m doing that little bit extra just in case. I’ve also tried to vary my routes through Durban North. The support from those around me who know what I’m doing has motivated me even more and I get beeps of support from passing motorists. The biggest part for me is to lift the spirits of people because so many people are giving up. Personally my Claude and I are facing a tough time with our own business, so I hope to keep going, taking one step forward at a time and motivating others and challenging them,” she said.

While she hasn’t attached her runs to a fundraiser page, Eksteen said she’s attached the record attempt to Grace Church’s Counselling services.  

Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting

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