On the 25th October a dream became a reality when Samantha and I completed our epic 32 day 2,000km journey running across the Freedom Trail in South Africa, starting in Pietermaritzburg and finishing in Paarl just outside Cape Town.
For me it was the most amazing experience of my life, running through areas that literally took my breath away they were so beautiful. During the run we stayed with some wonderful people who welcomed us into their homes and fed us the most delicious food.
We ran through private game reserves where we saw Rhino, Warthogs, Giraffes, Wildebeest, Ostrich, jackels and many different types of antelope, crossed so many rivers I have lost count and at one point literally had to clamber down a rock face – all part of the fun. There are sections along the route where tracks simply don’t exist, so we would find ourselves going through thorn bushes, crawling in the undergrowth and at one point even walking down a river as it was easier than trying to trudge through 7 feet high thick reeds!
During the first week we climbed to the highest point along the route of 2,700m above sea level, the wind was so strong that we nearly got blown off our feet, but the views from the top were worth the long tough 8km climb up, it was like standing on top of the world.
Both Samantha and I were given a huge lift during the 32 days when we were joined by Hilton Dunn on day 8 who ran 16k with us, Linda Doke who joined us for the whole day on day 29 through Vine-yards, Rory Steyn cycled with us on days 30/31 which was fantastic and on the last day we were joined by Eric Tollner who had completed the Freedom Challenge in 2013. We both really appreciated their support and company.
The last day threw everything at us, it was the most technical section I have ever done and one 10km section took us 6 hours to complete with a near vertical climb to get out of the valley, but once again we were treated to scenery that many people will never see as it’s so isolated – a real privilege.
Samantha and I couldn’t have achieved this without the support and help of our amazing crew who did a great job of making sure we were fed, watered and entertained.
Luckily for me I had no real issues apart from a small blister on my left foot, my 52 year old body held up really well!
There is still time to donate to an initiative that is supporting young women in South Africa to remain in education, we are so close to our target of £27,500. If you haven’t donated but would like to please go to this link https://donate.savethechildren.org.au/FreedomRunners any amount however small go a long way to supporting South African girls, giving them the ability to have a choice about their futures.
A big marvellous thank you goes to our amazing sponsors and to each and every one of you that has donated and supported the Freedom Runners, you really have been amazing.
Love
Mimi
x
