6 DAYS, 250 KM
300,000 ZAR
for
I think I may have bitten off more than I can chew… About two months ago I decided it was time for a challenge, to change things up and see what could be achieved. At around the same time I met Pete Fleck, who had just arrived for the Ranger Training course at Londolozi. After speaking to him for a while it became apparent that this was someone who would also be up for an adventure…
And so, on the 31st of August, Pete and I will cross the start line in the 7th edition of the RacingThePlanets Roving Race. The race takes place in Madagascar this year, and is held over seven consecutive days covering 250 kilometers. Through a variety of different terrain, over hills, across rivers, and during the sweltering daily temperatures of the Indian Oceanʼs largest island we are running not only to push our limits but to run for something far bigger than ourselves…
Whilst the adventure of running through Madagascar is certainly exciting, Pete and I are unanimous that this challenge should be used as a platform to raise awareness for the challenges that are faced daily by young rural Africans seeking an education. Many of you will be familiar with the Good Work Foundation (GWF), a registered NGO that has been working with grassroots education in Africa since 2003.
“To lead a focused, achievable and digitally-[em]powered education model for rural Africa”
…this is the mission of the Good Work Foundation. For more information take some time to explore the many different stories on the GWF’s website: http://www.goodworkfoundation.org/
We have set ourselves the target to raise ZAR 300,000 in the 100 days between now and the end of the Madagascar race.
I think we all have moments in life when we feel we have “bitten off more than we can chew.” I know I have, and I know Pete has. Usually things work out with a bit of help, and it is for that reason that we ask for your help over the next 100 days to help us achieve our goal of raising 300,000 ZAR to help the GWF continue changing lives in rural Africa. Here are three ways in which you can get involved:
1. Make a personal donation through our location specific donation platforms: CLICK HERE
2. Pledge an amount through your own personal fundraising efforts and submit the amount through our location specific donation platforms: CLICK HERE
3. Make or pioneer a corporate donation from your business / organisation: EMAIL RYAN JAMES OF GWF HERE.
Obviously, as you can imagine, there are a range of difficulties faced when trying to train for a marathon in 11,000 hectares of wilderness shared with lions, elephant, buffalo, rhino and the odd leopard, however we are determined to overcome these, and will be posting weekly updates and stories from our training! Keep an eye on the blog in the next week or so for a catch-up on our first months of training, and for a proper introduction to both myself and Pete.
– James Tyrrell and Peter Fleck
There are two donation platforms to choose from:
- LEAP – For US Citizens (Use Madagascar as your reference)
- GivenGain – The Rest of the World (Select Madagascar 2014 as project)
Individual and corporates making donations in the USA and South Africa are able to receive the following certificates:
- US Citizens – 501K Tax Certificate
- South African Citizens – 18A Tax Certificate
I hope there is someone “running” behind you with a gun to protect you from the beasties that are going to miss you while you are doing this epic 250kms?? Good luck you two brave guys 🙂
Fantastic James and Pete! You two guys are really amazing! I am sure you are both up to the challenge and I can hardly wait to hear all about it!
James and Pete: I’ve just donated through LEAP in the United States (31 May at 13:30 UTC/GMT), but PayPal didn’t give me a comment box. I want to make certain the donation counts toward your goal. Can you sort that out or can you tell me how to make certain future donations add to your goal? Thanks and good luck.
Hi Dave, many thanks for your donation. I will have a conversation with our LEAP team member in the USA to ensure that your donation is matched to this project as well as any future donations.