Chaeli Mycroft, with her running partners, will compete in seven ultramarathons over seven days in June. She is pictured with one of her running partners, Mark Ferreira, during the 2019 Gun Run. Picture: Supplied
Assisted wheelchair athlete and disability rights activist Chaeli Mycroft, aided by running partners, will take on seven ultramarathons in seven days, from Monday June 3 to Sunday June 9, finishing with the Comrades, to raise awareness and funds for disability inclusion.
The 7in7 Challenge which first took place last year, will this year see Ms Mycroft, with runners Mark “Muddy” Ferreira and Ivo Riva, collectively named Team Beastie, take on three days of running ultra distances in Johannesburg, one day in Bloemfontein and two days in Durban.
This year, the 7in7 has been expanded to include the wider public. By paying R250 in support of The Chaeli Campaign’s disability inclusion work, anyone keen to participate can choose their own challenge to conquer during the seven days.
Registered Comrades 2024 runners can support a scholarship fund for disabled children at Chaeli Cottage Preschool where children of all abilities learn together by playing together.
The Chaeli Campaign, founded 20 years ago, is a social justice foundation working to mobilise the minds and bodies of children with disabilities in South Africa. The organisation provides custom-made equipment to get more disabled athletes on the road and supports the Chaeli Cottage Preschool scholarship fund for disabled preschoolers.
Last year’s 7in7 raised R130 000, according to Ms Mycroft, who founded the campaign along with her sister and three childhood friends.
Ms Mycroft said she had had an emergency surgery a few weeks before last year’s event, leaving her unsure about whether she would be able to compete.
“I got the go-ahead from my medical team and was anxiously excited to take on the race. It was incredibly challenging emotionally and physically, with so many ups and downs, but we proved that we can achieve big things even when the odds are stacked against you, especially then,” Ms Mycroft said.
She encouraged everyone taking on the community challenge to choose something personal.
“It’s not about reaching for anybody else’s standards or expectations. I’m hoping that we see a diverse range of challenges – from running, swimming, etc. to self-care systems, to facing fears. We want people to commit to the challenge, show up for yourself in those seven days, build some momentum and prove to yourself that you can do hard things. Whatever challenge you choose for the 7in7, the community we’re building will be excited and supportive.”
Donations in support of Team Beastie’s 7in7 Challenge can be made on www.chaelicampaign.org