SA Admires KZN Man to Run 2024 Comrades Marathon Barefoot in Pursuit of R200K for Homeless

• The 2024 Comrades Marathon is underway in Durban and a South African has stood out with his mission
• South African-born athlete Graham Wills will take on an 85km run for the Comrades Marathon in a unique way
• The Pietermaritzburg-born Comrades Marathon contestant says he is competing for more than just a medal

A South African competitor in the Comrades Marathon has made a big impression. Graham Wills, originally from KZN, will make an outstanding contribution.

The South African athlete, now based in London, will be running the Comrades Marathon for a great cause. South Africans were blown away by the details about the athlete's mission.

Comrades Marathon contestant to run barefoot

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According to The Witness, Graham Willis will be running the Comrades Marathon on behalf of the homeless. The man originally from Pietermaritzburg said that he's running to fulfil a desire in his heart. He said:

"My participation is about sending a strong message out there, overcoming those obstacles on the road and to fulfil my annual mission."

Graham said running the Comrades Marathon on 9 June 2024 barefoot will not be easy, and he is prepared to experience pain and blisters. He has prepared for the race by running 10km to 15km a day in the morning, doing long runs over the weekends and taking part in other qualifying marathons. He will be running on behalf of the charity Rain for a Roof, which is a campaign by One Life Foundation, and he hopes to raise R200K.

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SA applauds Comrades Marathon barefoot runner

Graham's mission in the 2024 Comrades Marathon touched online users. After seeing details of his efforts, many wished him well.

Lamlanie Dingiswayo commented:

"No he can't do that it's dangerous to run on barefoot, blisters and limitation of physical movement after! He ll be admitted!"

Hazel Claassen wrote:

"I'm sure his done it in London. He can do it here."

Umuntu Omnyama said:

"Organise a wheelchair for him and a bottle of whiskey after the race."

Roslyn Rose wrote:

"Well done to him. He's raising funds, and is willing to bleed for his convictions. Support, don't just criticise."

Bantiki Spørtz Segacwi wished Graham well:

"I wonder if he's been training with barefoot. All the best man."

Themba Khuzwayo cheered:

"Because there are no thorns on the road he will surely finish the race as long as he's not going to smash big toe against the tar."

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Jean Bhana added:

"Very brave to attempt this barefoot mission so let's wish him thd best and its for a worthy cause."

Hilton teacher to selflessly run double marathon

Briefly News previously reported that a teacher and housemaster from the prestigious Hilton College in Pietermaritzburg will be running a double Comrades for an amazing cause.

33-year-old Kwanda Sibiya will start his race early to raise money to fund the education of two children from eManguzi, KwaZulu-Natal.

Sibiya will run the 96th Comrades Marathon route not once but twice, setting off from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on Saturday, 10 June.

Source: Briefly News