Eight races, 508 km to help youth

Local marathon runner, Shasha Mashalane intends running eight marathons covering a total of 508 km across the country to raise funds towards expanding the ability of Salesian Life Choices, an project that empowers youth, to expand in order to reach 120 youth and equip them with 21st century skills in coding.
Mashalane, Deputy Director Asset Management at the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, explained: “This is a 12-month course, comprising six months intensive training and six months paid internship with industry leaders. It aims to give youth the opportunity of a lifelong career in this sought after skill.”
“Salesian Life Choices has worked in the youth sector since 2005 impacting more than 200 000 people through their services. The organisation provides services like family stability, health, education, leadership and employment. I was once in need and I know very well the impact of being helped by a stranger. I want to see our youth achieving their dreams,” he stated.
His first race will be in June when he takes on the 90 km Comrades Marathon. He will them move to compete in the Washie 100 Miller ultra-marathon, which covers 160 km over two days in July. The Washie will be followed by the 42 km Cape Town Marathon on 23 September, 48 km Run for Cancer ultra-marathon in Polo­kwane on 27 October, 42 km Kaapsehoop Marathon on 3 November, 42 km Old Mutual Soweto Marathon on 4 November, 42 km Wine­lands Marathon on 10 Nov­ember and to complete the initiative, the 42 km Sani Stagger Marathon on 24 November.
“My goal is to raise R100 for every kilometre I run,” Mashalane said.
For more information or to contribute go to https://www.backabuddy.co.za/howick-running-for-you.

Story and photo: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert.observer@gmail.com