LEONA Lamont, 54, of Yellowwood Park Athletic Club is lacing up her shoes for her fourth Comrades Marathon, but this year’s race is about more than just a test of endurance, it’s about protecting South Africa’s wildlife.

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Lamont is standing in support of the SANParks Honorary Rangers’ project rhino, an initiative aimed at curbing the threat of rhino poaching within the country’s parks. Donations from the fundraising will help fund essential items such as fuel for air patrols, sleeping bags for rangers and other operational needs required to safeguard the rhinos.

“They desperately need funds. I run in the Stainbank Nature Reserve frequently and have met some of the Honorary Rangers. The work that they do is tireless and inspiring,” said Lamont. 

Lamont began running six years ago and completed her first Comrades Marathon in 2022. The race gained a personal significance in 2023, when she ran for her father, who had been hospitalised at the time and died towards the end of June that year.

“Every year I will run in my dad’s memory,” she said.

So far, Lamont has raised R3450 towards her goal of R6000 and is appealing to the public to donate towards reaching the goal before the cut-off on May 5.

Anyone interested in donating can do so at https://charity.easyreg.co.za/comrades-marathon-2025/leona-lamont-16a95c59-125d-4d5e-b0a6-d5a7d7d7cead/south-african-parks-honorary-rangers

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