There’s definitely an air of the Forrest Gump about this tale, but there’s far more to it. Paddy Collins has taught at Highbury Prep School for 30 years and wanted a way to combine his three great passions – running, his students and north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal.
What began in 2009 with just six school boys and two support vehicles has now become quite an adventure, involving 15 boys from Highbury, eight from Kearsney, a group of adults and nine vehicles. The aim of the Maputuland Challenge, as it is known, is to raise money for the area, to protect its phenomenal natural heritage and uplift the people who live there.
To date the challenge has raised over R245 000, making a significant contribution to the people it helps (see below).
Starting at Wimpy in Hluhluwe, the crew run along the R22 to George and Betty’s, a campsite at Bhanga Nek that Paddy has visited over the years. Although the route is 182km in total (twice the length of the Comrades Marathon), the last 14km are along soft sand towards the beach. This makes it very hard going, with all participants reduced to a walk. This year, the challenge took place in September and Paddy stopped at 151km, as he didn’t want to risk an injury on this section.
“It’s very difficult to describe the spectrum of emotional ups and downs,” says Paddy. “It’s fun because of the camaraderie, but during the darker side of the night, the end doesn’t seem to get any closer. You can feel dreadfully isolated.”
The boys run in 10km stints over about 24 hours, enduring a cramped car between runs, with the sleep deprivation that entails. “It’s an exercise in tolerance and fortitude,” says Paddy. “Highbury boys are very privileged, so it’s important that we instil a sense of appreciation for their good fortune, and that they should help those who don’t have what they do.
Preparation for the event involves regular running, something Paddy loves. He has previously completed four Comrades, four Two Oceans and two Midlands 100 Milers, but this year he didn’t do any ultra-marathons before the challenge. “My wife goes on at me for not looking after myself, so I’m focusing on getting enough sleep.”
“The run usually takes around 24 hours and, at the end, there’s a huge sense of relief and then anti-climax. But it is tremendous when you finish – the elation makes you forget all your aches and pains. Then we all meet up around the campfire to share our war stories. No-one moves particularly quickly the next morning!”
“We’re all very grateful to our supporters and the sponsors, who help make this possible – Barrons, BoltFix, Illovo Sugar, KwaMashu Spar and Sir Juice,” says Paddy. Last year, the Maputuland Challenge was shown on TV. “It was very exciting,” he says, “but running with a camera in your face is very strange. At one stage, the supporters said I was running in my sleep. It was two days after my daughter’s wedding, so I was exhausted!”
So, what’s next? Paddy has two marathons in his sights this month – the Sani Stagger and Soweto Marathon. There’s no doubt, this man was made to run!
If you’d like to contribute to the Maputuland Challenge fund, call 031 765 9800 or e-mail paddy@hps.co.za.
Where does the money go?
The Wildlands Conservation Trust
George and Betty’s Camp
Sizakancane Crèche in the Inanda Valley