Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

05 December 2024

3-minute read

Matthew Murray’s ambition to take on the journey from Port Alfred to Cape Town running on foot for 35 days stems from his upbringing in Northern Natal and spending so much time in the outdoors.

His key motivation was seeing the education needs of the underprivileged when he worked amongst them as a game ranger, and this spurred him on to launch an initiative called “Running Wild”. A week off from work turned into a month and this led to the challenge he and his friend set for themselves to run 35 consecutive marathons. Matthew and his team are people who like to “challenge each other” and “set big goals”.

The objective of the run is to secure classroom space at the Vela Kukanyena Primary School. Running Wild aims to raise R2,35 million in order to build two new classrooms at the school to enable the learners to “get a better education”.

Matthew says that a lot has gone into the planning of the initiative including getting 35 days off from work. They are relying on people for sponsorships and those wanting to make a difference “to make the run happen”. They have had a phenomenal response from the community with accommodation being organized for them enroute, getting a support vehicle follow them, podiatrists on board, and individuals who’ve sponsored them with foot care and running gear.

Due to the “colossal amount of kilometers” they are taking on, Matthew says that there are doubts that have arisen, with the worry of injuries being “the biggest reason for doubt”. But his sense of adventure is his biggest driving force to get him through all 35 marathons.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat on Sabahul Muslim.