|
The Cows
Media Release |
thecows2202 |
26
May
2022 |
Embargo: None |
Written by:
Dave Macleod |
Ultra runner Sewell gears up to run 1 800 kilometres to the Comrades for CHOC
Durban – While thousands of runners prepare for the 2022 Comrades Marathon
on Sunday 28 August, a solitary runner dressed in the distinctive running
kit of The Cows will leave Cape Town nineteen days before the world’s
biggest ultra-marathon in an attempt to complete twenty Comrades Marathons
back-to-back as part of his quest to raise money for the CHOC Childhood
Cancer Foundation.
44 year old Johannesburg adventurer Mike Sewell is aiming to raise R1
million by completing the staggering feat, and in the process complete the
arduous 1,800km challenge that he and five others failed to get right in
2018.
Sewell got further than any of the other runners on what they dubbed The
Long Road to Comrades, managing to complete a total of 1,100 kilometres over
20 days.
Now, inspired by the chance to make a real impact on the lives of children
confronting cancer, he wants to try again, and says he is wiser than he was
four years ago.
“I had seen The Cows at other events and they intrigued me,” said Sewell.
“On connecting with them it just all felt right. Great energy, great
community and of course – a great cause. I’ll be treating the charity
element as a second parallel project - as big as the run.”
Sewell is adamant that the monumental challenge of doing twenty consecutive
Comrades’ can be achieved, and he wants to remedy the disappointment of
2018.
“Mostly The Long Road to Comrades V2.0 is about unfinished business,” he
said. “ I’ve always challenged myself with ever growing challenges and this
one still needs to be conquered. I love testing my limits, both physically
and mentally and I relish in the adventure of a task this big.
“The best part about a second attempt is the benefit of experience. And with
such a big challenge, that experience is invaluable. There are a few very
significant changes that I have made from the first attempt.
“Firstly, quitting is not an option. It was too easy to get in the support
van last time. This won’t be an option this year. I will just have to suck
it up.
“Then, keep moving forward! We spent too much time in 2018 not moving
forward. This time, only lunch and CHOC house visits will be static stops.
All other non-running events in the day must be “rolling”.
“This run will be a solo effort. The task is so big that it needs the
focused effort of a team to get one person over the line. I hope to
eliminate additional dynamics and challenges that come with multiple
runners.
“Then I have fine-tuned everything for success,” he added. “From flattening
the route to adding a masseuse to an acute focus on nutrition and even being
aware of the road camber.
“But vitally the charity element gives me an additional reason if not THE
reason to finish this thing!” he concluded.
Anyone keen to support Sewell on The Long Road to Comrades V2.0 can make a
contribution via his fundraising account at
https://charity.easyreg.co.za/comrades-marathon-2022/mike-sewell/childhood-cancer-foundation-choc
More information about The Cows can be found at
www.thecows.co.za
About The Cows
The Cows were started in 2008 by a group of eight enthusiastic cyclists
keen to make a difference and raise funds for the CHOC Childhood Cancer
Foundation of South Africa. Cordi van Niekerk was
one of the founder members and joined Kerrin and Grant Bain in cycling the
947 Cycle Challenge in memory of their daughter, Jessica, who had
recently died from cancer at just 20 months old.
As CHOC had played a
significant role in the Bain family's life in the last few weeks of
Jessica’s life, specifically with palliative care and emotional support, the
decision was to make CHOC the beneficiary of their quest. They decided to
don cow suits and succeeded in raising R230 000.
In 2009, the herd gained momentum and grew to 140 energetic
cows. Just two years later the herd numbered a staggering 350 cows all
riding for a purpose. Armed with the ‘Love Living Life’ slogan and a healthy
dose of enthusiasm, the herd has enjoyed much success and acclaim.
Ten later, hundreds of people have participated in events wearing
cow suits. The Cows have raised well over R30 million for specific projects implemented by CHOC and The Cows brand is
prominent in many sporting events in South Africa. With these funds, CHOC is
able to make a difference to the children being treated for cancer
throughout South Africa.
One herd; one quest: to make a difference to children with cancer. Love
Living Life!
More information can be found at
www.thecows.co.za
ENDS
|
Photo |
Caption |
Photographer |
Click to download the hi-res
pic |
|
The Cows Logo - JPeg |
|
|
|
Mike Sewell plans to run 1 800
kilometres on the Long Road to the Comrades 2.0 in the colours of The Cows
aiming to raise R1 million for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Association of
South Africa. |
Supplied/
Gameplan Media |
|
|
Mike Sewell finishing the Two
Oceans marathon in the colours of The Cows. Sewell plans to run 1 800
kilometres to the 2022 Comrades Marathon to try and raise R1 million for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation. |
Supplied/
Gameplan Media |
|
Conditions of usage of photographs:
All photographs supplied and hyperlinked herewith may be used free of
charge, with full credit to the photographer and agency as provided. The
photographs may not be modified or retouched in any way, but may be
cropped to suit the layout requirements of the publications. The
photographs provided may be used exclusively for editorial purposes, and
may be reprinted in any newspaper, magazine, television programme or on
any website. These photographs may not be used for any commercial or
promotional purpose, including but not limited to posters, advertisements,
commercials, promotional email correspondence, point-of-sale material or
any retail promotion. Should such usage be desired, please contact us at
the details below. |
Is this of no value to you?
This media release is intended for use by media professionals covering
this specific activity or sport. Should this release not be relevant you,
please
advise us immediately and we will be glad to remove your name from
this particular database. It would be useful to us if you could advise us
which subjects you would like to continue receiving releases on. |
For any further information,
or if you cannot access the images, please contact:
Gameplan Media
(031) 764 3017
|