Welcome
After two exciting years that included running the famous Marathon des Sables and the The North Face 100, my project for 2010 was to go back to one of my favourite races, the Comrades ultramarathon in South Africa on 30 May.
In the true spirit of the race, I teamed up with Francois Jacobs, a blind South African runner, and together we conquered the 89 kilometres from Pietermaritzburg to Durban and fulfil his dream of finishing the Comrades. And we did it! After 11h 46m we crossed the finish line – both truly happy and excited that we have reached our goal.
With this race, we raised funds for The Fred Hollows Foundation, so that they can continue their important work in South Africa and around the globe. Thanks to our supporters in Australia I could transfer over $5000 to The Foundation, and over 200 people will be able to see again.
Africa is one of the reasons Fred Hollows became an ophthalmologist. He had the idea that he would like to do medical work on the 'dark continent', and he discovered that one of the most useful things a doctor could do there was to take out cataracts.
Fred's work is not finished yet, and I need your help and generous support to make sure that all people, everywhere on this planet, can see some light and enjoy a normal live as you and I do.
It is one thing to train and race for oneself, but to train ones mind and eyes to see and run for two is another. I would like to thank the Achilles Running Club Sydney and Ben Philips who helped me to learn how to be a successful guide. I'd also like to thank the wonderful team from The Fred Hollows Foundation's South African team for their support.
Please stay tuned, visit my blog, and come back to this site to find out about upcoming adventures, events and fundraising activities.
Thank you & happy running!
Markus
