Running in circles, praying for people

What makes this event so great is that it really caters for everyone - from the couch warmer and regular park runner, to the seasoned endurance runner.

September 15, 2019

Shona Aylward 1 minute read

Taking part in the team relay are Louise Morrison-Young (left) and Varaidzo Kamsena of Anerley Haven.

Members of the Lede In Christus Kerk, Southcoast Striders Athletics Club, business owners/managers, and the community all got involved in the South Coast 100 Prayer Run at Douglas Mitchell Sports Ground last weekend.

There were 109 entries in total.

ALSO READ : Merrick breaks long distance barrier

Some ran while others were content to sit and watch.

Pastor Daan van Niekerk from Lede In Christus Kerk said that what makes this event so great is that it caters for everyone – from the couch warmer and regular park runner to the seasoned endurance runner.

He said they had prominent names from all over the country, with people like Cornel Metcalf, who won the 100 mile (160.9km) race in a time of 23h21:17.

Walkers (from left) Moira Alborough, Antionette Beekman and Ryan Steyn of Shelly Beach brave the howling wind to support the SC100 at Douglas Mitchell.

Marsha Muller also came down to the South Coast, and although she had run these distances at the Washie 100miler before, it was her first time at a circuit event of this length. She did very well by completing a massive 150km in the 30-hour race.

Another running icon who attended was Tobie Reynecke, this was his 159th official 100 miler. No one else in South Africa has done more.

Event organiser Pastor Daan van Niekerk completed his 100 miles.

“I was drawing a lot from Tobie through those dreaded early morning hours when tiredness and the cold conspired to let me just give up,” said Pastor van Niekerk.

He said his personal goal was to attempt running at least 100 kilometres, praying for a different country and local business, at each kilometre.

Marsha Muller completed 150km in the 30 hour race.

“Every time before I passed the checkpoint, I was handed the flag, and the announcer would call out the country and business to be prayed for. I was so humbled when some of the other athletes spoke with me about it, and some even pulled out their pieces of paper with their prayer lists. If I gained nothing else by this whole weekend, this makes it worth all the hard work. Knowing I’ve managed to raise prayer awareness,” he said.