A successful 100km run for new shoes

KNYSNA NEWS - Local running superstar Melikhaya Msizi recently ran 100 kilometres to raise funds for and to collect school shoes to be donated to underprivileged children in Knysna.

Mielies, as he is affectionately known in local running circles, took on the challenge on Saturday 12 February.

He set off on his run at 05:00 from The Shed in Knysna Central, making his way out of Knysna before running along the N2 adjacent to the estuary on the way to Sedgefield.

The route then took him along the N2 all the way to Swartvlei where he left tar roads behind and tackled the tough yet rewarding Seven Passes Route which formed the bulk of his run for the day.

With the sun beating down on him making sure he feels the heat, he traversed the Seven Passes Route all the way back to Knysna where he finished in the late afternoon at the Caltex garage on Waterfront Drive.

Mielies was beyond chuffed. "I am very proud of myself for being able to complete the 100 kilometres. It was a very tough run, but very much worth it and it is so rewarding to collect school shoes for those who need them most," he enthused.

He could, however, not have done it without amazing support. "I am beyond grateful for everybody who helped me on the day. There were people who followed me along the route and even one or two runners who ran the whole route with me," he said.

"To the people who set up water tables and who supported and cheered me on during my run, thank you so so much, it means so much to me."

Mielies' efforts were absolutely worth it, as he has managed to collect 151 pairs of school shoes and a few thousand rand too, which will go towards purchasing even more pairs of school shoes.

Why would Mielies put himself through a tough and gruelling 100km run? Because there are those who need his help.

"I'm just doing it for less privileged children because in my running career there have been and still are people helping, supporting, and sponsoring me with running gear and race entries, so I wanted to give back to the community," Mielies said. He decided on a distance of 100km as it poses a challenge, while also aligning perfectly with his idea of collecting R100 per pair of shoes.

It was not a once-off event either, as he hopes to make this school shoe drive a regular feature on his running calendar, albeit with a few tweaks to keep matters interesting each year.

Melikhaya Msizi during his 100km run. Photo: Blake Linder