Pennington ‘Rhino runner’ completes extreme marathon
Last month, the Mail reported on Phil's past achievements and his involvement in several charities, one of which was the Outraged SA Citizens Against Poaching.
PHIL Waudby has just completed this year’s gruelling multi-stage, self-sufficient foot race – the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM).
The Pennington athlete entered the race, in which competitors have to completed 250kms in seven days, as part of an awareness campaign and fundraising initiative for South Africa’s rhinos.
ALSO READ : Phil runs for rhinos
“I’m always thinking of these animals and want to do as much as I can to help them in any way possible,” said Phil.
Last month, the Mail reported on Phil’s past achievements and his involvement in several charities, one of which was the Outraged SA Citizens Against Poaching.
Phil arrived at Augrabies Falls Lodge on October 10, where he reunited with old friends ahead of the race, and made some new ones too.
Athletes set off on October 12, with a target of completing 28kms on the first day.
“The first half wasn’t too bad, but the second half was very difficult, especially going down the side of the steep valley to the river, negotiating the rocks that burnt your hands when you touched them, then up the dry sandy river gorge to rest at camp one,” he said.
On day two, Phil was up at 6.30am with a target of 32kms for the day.
However, after reaching the 10km mark, the race doctor had to intervene because of the blisters which had formed on Phil’s feet.
Undeterred by the setback, Phil marched on, his head back in the game.
“I walked about eight kilometres along a dusty sandy road to ‘Death Valley’, a notoriously very hot and difficult section of dry river bed,” he said.
“It was here that I saw the first of many animals which had died due to a lack of rain and food, and I just wanted to sit down and cry.”
Phil also had to contend with the scorching desert temperatures, which hovered around the 40°C mark.
“There’s also no wind so you feel like you’re being cooked in a microwave oven,” he said.
However, failure was not an option so Phil just bit the bullet and kept on moving.
“In order to keep going, I kept thinking of all the happy times in my life and of the poor rhinos that really need our support and protection against poachers. I also kept the wardens who protect them in my mind, and this helped make the kilometres go by.”
On the final day of the race, the athlete was not just exhausted, but was very emotional when he spotted his wife at the finish line, holding his race medals and an ice-cold glass of champagne.
“What a journey it has been – full of surprises, joy, laughter, sadness and tears,” said Phil.
“The body is broken, the feet are sore and I can hardly walk, but it’s well worth it to help our rhinos.”
Phil thanked everyone who supported him on this journey.
“I have achieved all my running goals, from 100m to a marathon to Comrades and the ultra, ultra-long distance running.
“Now it’s time for me to throw in the towel on long distance running and enjoy the shorter, 10km distances.”
Pledges for this rhino fundraiser are still open. If you would like to help, contact Phil at 083-7156098 or ali.waudby@gmail.com.
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