Matthew du Toit, affectionately known as “Crazy Sharky” by his friends and family, is setting his sights on an extraordinary challenge – a 100 km charity run to raise funds for the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in September.
The 18-year-old Zandvliet High School learner is driven to help “little souls in pain”.
Crazy Sharky is a name bestowed upon him by friends and he embraces it as it signifies the “animal of a shark” within him – a spirit he now channels for a noble cause.
The inspiration for this formidable challenge on Saturday 6 September stems from a personal experience. “I had a cousin who sustained burn wounds when she was three years old and was rushed to Red Cross hospital,” Matthew shared. “Seeing all those little souls in pain, I made it my mission that I would one day do something for their benefit.”
Matthew draws inspiration from ultra-distance runners, particularly Paul Eichert, a runner who is famously known as “the Crazy Kiwi”.
Closer to home, his uncle, Jan du Toit (51), also known as “Johnie”, has been a constant source of motivation. “He’s the actual reason why I’m still running today,” Matthew admitted.
Jan’s achievements include completing the rigorous Two Oceans and the Comrades ultra-distance races. “I always listen closely to what he has to say about running.”
Matthew’s route will begin at his home in Macassar. He plans to run past Eerste River, Gaylee, Kuils River, Parow, Maitland, and towards the V&A Waterfront, and Green Point, turning back once his watch hits the 50 km mark, effectively completing a 100 km out-and-back journey.
Despite some individuals not fully supporting his ambitious endeavour, Matthew remains undeterred. “That doesn’t stop me from taking on this massive challenge,” he firmly stated.
His strategy for conquering the distance is to break it down mentally. “My biggest anticipation is to not think about it that much. I’m thinking to break the 100 km into five-kilometre stretches to not think too far ahead.”
Matthew believes this run is a powerful statement: “No human is limited, especially in the Macassar community. Let’s inspire each other by doing good and treat each other with respect.”
To support Matthew’s “Family Care Project” initiative, donations of clothing, blankets, toiletries, or food parcels can be dropped off at 13 Oliver Thambo Street, Macassar. Financial contributions can be made via the BackaBuddy online platform at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/matthews-100km-run-for-charity.
For more information, contact Matthew via on WhatsApp on 068 287 4538.
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