Karoline Hanks has achieved a double victory, completing the demanding 160-km RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town (UTCT) race as one of the top-five women while raising over R100 000 for Project Noordhoeked.
The funds raised will support environmental work in Noordhoek and enable Ms Hanks’s employee, William Chirwa, to travel to Malawi and reunite with his son after seven years.
The BackaBuddy campaign exceeded its initial target of R80 000 to raise more than R100 000. (“Karoline tackles 100-miler to aid family reunion,” Echo September 19, 2024)
It will remain open for one more week, closing on Sunday December 8, to allow for further contributions.
According to Ms Hanks, the campaign has been a major success for her and her team.
“A recent donation of R15 000 gave the campaign a significant boost, helping it surpass its target,” she said.
She is hopeful that even more funds can be raised to support the project’s ongoing work.
“It is a beautiful thing. I have been overwhelmed by the support and love shown from our community and also my friends and family.“
Ms Hanks described the UTCT as the most challenging race she had ever done, citing the technical trail, steep climbs and running much of the race in the dark.
“The race had 8 000 metres of elevation, and I faced several tough moments, including a fall early on at the top of Table Mountain, which left me with two bloodied knees that I carried for the rest of the race.“
The toughest moment came while ascending Chapman’s Peak, which she knows well. “I was hoping to be faster on this section, but my body was depleted at this stage, so it was literally one step at a time.“
Despite the physical challenges, Ms Hanks found a moment of emotional reward when she reached the Alphen aid station, where she was greeted by her son and his girlfriend with a hot cappuccino and some soup.
“Knowing I could finish the thing – that was a huge moment for me,” she said.
Her motivation throughout the race was closely tied to the success of her BackaBuddy campaign. “Just knowing that I had R80 000 in the bank at the starting line kept me going,” she said.
“Running for my team, for the project, and its longevity kept me going. Also, proving to myself that I could complete this iconic, and very tough, route.“
Along the route, she was fuelled by the support she received from strangers cheering her on. “It is so special to be hooted at and have random strangers shout encouragement along the way.“
Ms Hanks said the donations would aid the clearing of alien vegetation in Noordhoek.
“The mountain sides are stuffed with rooikrans and pine, and we also want to do more in the very precious wetland.”
She said it would be thrilling to see Mr Chirwa board for a bus for his trip to Malawi.
“A gigantic thank you and shower of love to all who donated from the community,” she said. “Thank you for having faith in me to complete this challenge and for supporting us.”
Mr Chirwa said he was excited to see his son again and thanked everyone for supporting the campaign.
“I’m really happy that Karoline was able to raise the funds for both me and Project Noordhoeked, and I’m grateful to everyone who donated,” he said. “The day I can go home is coming soon.”
He added that his son often asked, “How much longer?”.
“He thinks I’m making it up, so he keeps asking,” Mr Chirwa said.
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