350Miles4Marrow

BAFEDILE APPEALS FOR A LIFE SAVING DONOR

2010-03-16T11:27:00.002+02:00

In September 2008, Bafedile Johanna Molefe (48), a teacher at Chipatabane High School in Bronkhorstspruit, was diagnosed with leukaemia. She underwent an autologous transplant and started to feel better immediately as life went back to normal for Bafedile and her family, at least for a few months.

In September 2009, Bafedile’s life changed forever. She received news from her doctor that she had relapsed. Her only option now, is to have a bone marrow transplant, this time hopefully with an unrelated matched donor as she has no siblings to be tested first.

Bafedile’s family, friends and neighbours have been extremely supportive over the past two years as well as helping with finding her a donor by distributing The Sunflower Fund brochures in the community in desperate effort to try recruit more bone marrow stem cell donors onto the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR).

Bafedile has searched the SABMR for a bone marrow stem cell donor already and has been unsuccessful with finding a match so far.

What this means, is that her life rests on new bone marrow stem cell donors being recruited onto the SABMR. Ethnic origin/heritage is very important when matching donors and patients. The ‘markers’ that are tested, when searching for a match, are genetically inherited and often unique to a particular race. There are currently only 17 % of bone marrow donors, on the SABMR, from African, Indian and mixed ethnic background. The shortage of these groups can and will have a severe impact on patients trying to find a matching unrelated donor.

If many more healthy people, between the ages of 18 and 50, from these ethnic groups joined the registry and became a bone marrow stem cell donor, then we could increase Bafedile’s and other patient’s chances of finding a matching donor that could ultimately save their lives.

This is an urgent call to the people of South Africa to call The Sunflower Fund toll free number 0800 12 10 82, weekdays between 9 and 4pm and register to become a bone marrow donor. Bafedile and many more patients are relying on you.

All that is required from you to become a donor is two test tubes of blood. Two test tubes of blood that could save someone’s life.

The cost of tissue typing all new registered bone marrow stem cell donors is R1000 per person, which is why we organise fundraising events to raise the necessary funds to pay for these tests so that The Sunflower Fund can sponsor the tests for those who can’t afford to pay for them.

Three Round Tabler’s decided to run 350 Miles4Marrow in just eight days trying from Nelspruit to Melrose Arch in JHB in order to assist The Sunflower fund in raising funds to pay for the tissue typing costs and to create the awareness needed about the urgent need for bone marrow stem cell donors and more specifically, more donors from various ethnic groups. Tarryn Corlett, National Fundraiser and PR Coordinator, was one of the crew members for the eight days for 350Miles4Marrow run. During the second last day, they went to visit Bafedile to hear her story and help her by promising to generate as much awareness as possible.

If you would like to see what the runners have been getting up to for the past 8 days, visit the blog: www.350miles4marrow.blogspot.com.

Come on South Africa; share a little, to save a life!

Sandown 150 Donation

2010-03-16T07:44:00.000+02:00

Seen here with our Runners with Johan Roos, Chairman of Round Table Sandown 150, who arranged our final function, the Cocktail Party. Thanks to all at Sandown 150 for home hosting us for the evening, our after paety as well as your kind donation of R3500 towards the run.

Visited By RTSA President

2010-03-16T07:39:00.000+02:00

We we honoured to host Brian & Michelle from BHP Billiton Energy Coal as well as the Round Table Southern Africa President, Fabrizio Alticheiro to our Cocktail Function, held at Piza e Vino on the Melrose Arch Piazzo.

Thank you for the kind words and your fellowship on the evening, we thank you again for taking the time out your busy schedules to be with us.

Thank you to our Sponsors...

2010-03-15T16:00:00.000+02:00

On behalf of everyone at Round Table Southern Africa and the Sunflower Fund, we would like to recognise and thank our main sponsor, BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa as well as the sub-sponsors, Dust-A-Side, Nedbank and Stay Easy Hotels for their support and kind donations towards the 350Miles4Marrow run for Blood Cancers... Without the Corporate support we received, this event would not have been possible to start, and again we are most gratefull for your participation and support.

We did it!

2010-03-15T15:47:00.000+02:00

It's done - 350Miles4Marrow have been covered!

Here are some interesting Stats for you:

We ran for 56hrs18min...

Average speed of 6min04sec per kilomtre

Longest stage was Day 7 - 97,5km from Balmoral to Pretoria with each runner completing 32.5km each

Stage with most altitude gain - Started at 661m above sea level and climbed to 1555m in a 10km portion of Stage 2 bewteen Barberton and Badplaas.

Highest altitude reached - 1785m above sea level near Warburton in Mpumalanga Province.

Average Altitude for 350Miles4Marrow = 1457m above sea level

Between the two support vehicles - we exceeded 6000km in 8 days.

We consumed in running supplies - 6 Cases of 24 Energade, 800 sachets of Oasis water, 25ltr jerrycan Oasis water , 9 cases of Castle Light, 8x 750ml bottle shooters used at Fines Meetings, two tubes of Voltaren, one 500ml tub arnica massage cream, one 250ml tub of vaseline, two boxed of plasters, 65 energy bars, 31 sachets of Vooma, 14 litres of coke.

On average each runner gained 1.4kg during the run???

Last Stage - Here we go!

2010-03-15T15:06:00.000+02:00

There is a huge amount of remourse starting the last stage... we enjoyed the previous night like it was our last together - this because not all of the crew would be apart of the last nights activities! What a week and to think we only had one more to enjoy - it was a bitter sweet pill to swallow, something we were not prepared for. It was an emotional day - lots of memories built up over such a short time, yet today was the end? Difficult to explain how amazing this trip has been and what it has meant to us all...

Either way, the last day - stage 12, Pretoria to Melrose Arch. We started off at a Nedbank branch in the centre of town and were sent off by a group of school children. This was rather refreshing but a pity the road was so busy - or maybe they could have run a few km with us! It was hot out there with temperatures exceeding 34 Celcius again. We had a very interesting stop at the Voortrekker Monument - and what a piece of history, something that should be there for the generations to come and visit and see a portion of our countries rich and diverse history. After this we made our way through Midrand, past Leeukop Prison and onto Rivonia Road. By now we were getting lots of hoots and waves, as many drivers and passengers got that we were the crazy folk being spoken about on the radio... To make it all more interesting - the last 10km was the roughest of the entire route - we where shattered, tired and mentally finishished, yet knew we needed to pull that little bit more out to get to the end! Eventually, Rivonia became Corlet Drive and we were nearly there. Our Crew remained as cheerful and supportive as ever and we finally saw a big blow up banner signalling the place we were to finish 560km of running between Nelspruit and the Melrose Arch Piazza. Wow - it's all over - the running portion anyway!

Interesting Stat

2010-03-12T07:48:00.000+02:00

Just for interest sake, our Crew Bus (supplied by Dust-A-Side) has all ready clocked up 2215km, with one day to go (that's an average of 316km each day). This gives an indication of the amount of back and forth driving that has taken place seconding our runners and making sure that crew get to the correct place at the correct time.

Day Seven

2010-03-12T07:12:00.000+02:00

Day Seven, Balmoral (near Witbank) to Menlyn in Pretoria (97.5km)

Riaan kicked the day off with a quick ten kays before attending an emotional hospital visit to a Pretoria Leukeamia Ward, where he, Tarryn and Peter, met with patients who are being treated for blood cancers, and some waiting with no matching bone marrow donor.

Riaan later returned to complete his portion of todays run in the heat of the day, with tempratures exceeding 35 Celcius. This was tough going as is evident from todays photos. Riaan completed his 32,5km in 3hrs5min.

Danie took over from Riaan, and enjoyed a run through Bronkohosrtspuit, that was not planned and ended up running 3km in the worng direction. But without getting too upset, we got back onto the correct road, to complete his 32,5km in a steady 3hrs15min

Guy started running where Danie left off, and to our shock, also realised 7km down a wrong road, before getting back to the correct route. Too many turns and all got a bit confusing for our navigators and GPS' in the crew vehicles. The Sergeant did take note and punishments where distributed during our end of day fines meeting. Guy got through his 32.5km in 2hrs57min

We completed the day running along Atterbury Rd in PTA en route the Pretoria Round Tables Community Centre, where five Tables where waiting to welcome us in. The Pretoria Tables hosted us for a great social and prego roll braai. We really enjoyed the evening, and also received a donation of R4500.19. Thanks to all the tablers from Pretria for your kind hospitality.

With only one day to go, we cannot belive our journey is almost over, and that our legs have takin us this far. We have covered over 500km in 7 days, and have a little over 60km to go on the last day...

Thank you to all who have pledged to support this cause, and with one day to go, ask everyone to spread the word so that we can maximise this support in the final hours.

We have received many phonecalls and sms's on day seven, from friends and family who have heard 350M4M being announced on Highveld 94.7 FM and Radio 702. Thank you for this - we really hope that this may increase the profiel of our run, and that the support increases as a result.

Look forward to our Grand Finish on the Melrose Arch Piazza, and hope to see you all at the Cocktail function starting at 5:30pm on Friday evening. Dress Smart Casual.

See you at the finish, and keep on following the blog, lots more to come!

Day 6 - Middelburg Mines to Witbank

2010-03-10T21:34:00.006+02:00

Today was a yin and yang day. It was so nice to finish earlier in the day and have some time with the families and catch up on some well deserved rest, but then there was the dirt in the air that made us all a darker shade of brown.

On the way to Middelburg Mines we had a quick stop to inspect a Dust-A-Side road. We tried to break it, but did not succeed. All the black at half the price, makes sense to us!

The firtst leg started off at BHP Billitons Middelburg Mines where Stefan Muller saw off the four runners on their way to Witbank. Yes thats right, four runners. Moses Skosana from BHP Billiton joined the run and added his particular tase of speed to the pace as can be seen from the times recorded.

Moses, you are man among men!

The comments heard today included: "I has the worst section because all those trucks and dirt got the dust stuck in my eyes and nose" and "Why do I always get the uphills". Some of us come from Witbank, so today we will mention the roadworks.

The 350 Miles4Marrow runners all managed twelve kilometers each today, Guy starting off with a 1 hour and 5 minutes leg followed by Riaan's 1 hour and 12 minute sprint, leaving Danie to complete the day in 1 hour and 11 minutes.

The end line was the Nedbank in Witbank where a few of the staff joined the team for a group photo to add to the mantle peace. After a short wait we met up with a few people who delivered the runners track suits. Thank you to BHP Billiton.

The 36 kilometer run was well welcome in that the thought of tomorrows run to Pretoria is simply a moral breaker. We did not ask moses to set the pace for that one.

Now off for a quick lunch, team talk and planning session for the next day, before supporting the Witbank 57 project tonight in order to collect a donation to the 350 Miles4Marrow.

Day 6 - Behind the scenes

2010-03-10T21:18:00.003+02:00

The street vendors wanted their cut too.

The mans version of spray on tan.

I wonder if this stuff works for potholes too!?

Yah no, enough said hey!

Hey check, a rondle

Meet the crew - Guy Crichton

2010-03-10T19:29:00.003+02:00

Guy is the convenor of the 350 Miles4Marrow project and the ARTSA Branding and Communications Officer. He has run one Comrades Marathon and is one of the most passionate Tablers you will meet. Guy has been a Tabler for alomat 10 years and is still only 31, and is also one of the first, if not the first, third generation Tabler in South Afrrica, after his Dad, Rod, Uncle, Don, and Grandfather Stan Anderson.

Comments on Guy....

Danie: Always keeping the project going forward and making sure all stick to the program.
Shayne: Some people just don't understand the real meaning of friendship and love for a fellow Baa.
Tarryn: He has made the difference! Thank you Guy on behalf of myself and The Sunflower Fund.
Frans: "Painfull but exactly knows what he wants to achieved" Great visionery!!
Peter:If it's going to happen Guy will make it happen. Too much energy and a lot of passion.
Riaan: Awesome person and friend which always makes things happen.

Meet the crew - Peter Upfold

2010-03-10T19:15:00.002+02:00

Peter is the executive professional photographer (EPP) on the 350 Miles4Marrow team. Peter is a Gentelman who takes life in his stride and has rounded off our team, as only he could!

Commnets on Peter........

Guy: Although Peter was never a Tabler and now too old to become one, my biggest compliment I could give him, would be that if he lived in my town, and if I could, I'd offer him Honorary Membership to Table?
Shayne: There is always something special in calm and collected people.
Danie: Dedicated photography.
Riaan: The ultimate professional
Tarryn: The most unique and special person i have had the privalidge to know.
Frans: Wat 'n fantastiese mens wat hoe standarde aan hom self stel!

Meet the crew - Riaan van der Walt

2010-03-10T19:06:00.002+02:00

Riaan is the current ARTSA constitutional advisor and tabler at Somerset East 113. He is a runner of 350 Miles4Marrow. Riaan has run 10 Comrades Marathons and 2 Iron Mans.

Comments on Riaan.........

Guy: Would not have starting last week Friday without the RvdW!
Shayne: I love that accent, where is he from? Russia?
Danie: Nie, Nie, Nie! Wag, Nie.
Tarryn: What an amazing guy.
Peter: I said, check out the pictures.
Frans: Hy raak beter en sterker as die week aan gaan.

Meet the crew - Tarryn Corlett

2010-03-10T18:54:00.002+02:00

Tarryn is the Sunflower Fund PR coordinator on the 350 Miles4Marrow team. She is the one in the middel. She says she is still learning

Comments about Tarryn......

Guy: Tarryns comments on Tuesday made this trip worthwhile.
Shayne: She's a girl.
Frans: Thanks for the friendship.
Danie: Very involved with the project.
Riaan: Cutie eyes
Peter: I don't need to commnet, see the pictures.

Day 5 - Behind the scenes

2010-03-10T18:35:00.005+02:00

Fence inspection. No really!

The kid is not small, the food is that big.

Those takkies must be really bad! he is not the runner.

That way!, That way!!

Welcome to Mpumalanga. Isn't it preeeety!

Meet the crew - Shayne Wright

2010-03-10T18:16:00.002+02:00

Shayne is a tabler at Middelburg 126 and is the chairman for 2010/11. He has been nominated as the Highveld Zone Chairman 2010/11. He is a member of the crew for 350 Miles4Marrow and has an autocard and likes to use it.

Comments on Shayne......

Guy: Baa man Baa! Watch this tabler
Riaan: Mr. reliable.
Frans: Voeltjie, voeltjie, voeltjie.
Tarryn: He is"The Stig"
Peter: He ran 2 meters
Danie: No comment

Day 5 - Bethal to Middelburg

2010-03-10T17:45:00.004+02:00

The day started with Tarryn and Riaan at the Kanonkop High School in Middelburg. Tarryn chatted to the kids about the Sunflower Fund and Riaan informed about the Round Table way of life. The kids enjoyed the change to routine and even survived Tarryns attempt at humor when the Matrics told them that they can not actually go home at 7H30.

Danie started the days run at 9H00 at completed his 23 Km in 2 hours and 19 minutes. We made a schoolboy mistake by trying to support three runners with two vehicles which is why Guy started running at 9H30, completing his 23 km in 2 hours and 5 minutes.

Riaan started running at 10H05 and 2 hours and 13 minutes later he met up with the others at an amazing place that sells liquids that runners should not drink.

A quick rest before entering the Middelburg Country Club was not planned but went down well. The runners aimed at the Middelburg 126 clubhouse and were greeted by a number of kids from the Mhluzi Home Based Care who ran with the 350 Miles4Marrow runners to the end point. A few tears from Tarryn and Frans later and a few

photos, the kids enjoyed a meal and drink while the team received a cheque from Middelburg 126.

Thank you to the guys from Middelburg 126 for all the arrangements for the day and to Willie Swanepoel for helping to present the cheque to 350 Miles4Marrow.

The team were all home or at hotels by 16H00 where we enjoyed a braai and a few refreshments while settling the daily business and discussing the plans for the following day.

It should be mentioned that by this stage of the project, memories become blurred and previous plans are confused between each other. Yes, Tarryn has made a name for herself. Frans will need some time to get over having to wake up the next morning early for an appointment that did not exist.

Spirits are high, runners are fit, crew is looking forward to never seeing branding again. The next big day is approaching and we are looking forward to the challenge.

Update on Funds Raised

2010-03-10T16:06:00.003+02:00

Hi everyone...

With a couple of days to go, we are sitting on a little over R165 000 including all our Sponsors donations but excluding un-banked pledges.

Thank you for the support so far, and although we are below our target, we hope to see alot more support coming through in the next few days!

Spread the word of this super fantastic cause?

Some technical stuff for the runners out there

2010-03-09T22:06:00.002+02:00

The red devils, by the end of day 5 had run 338 Km (191 miles) in 34 hours and ten minutes. That makes 6.07 minutes / Km (10.7 minutes / mile).

To put this into perspective, that means each runner has run 22.5 Km each per day for the last five days or tag teamed almost four Comrades Marathons in the last five days.

Tomorrow it is on to Witbank from Middelburg Mines and then Pretoria and finishing in JHB on Friday and 350 miles under the belt.

Visuals on day 5 to come.....

Day 4 - Behind the scenes

2010-03-09T21:49:00.004+02:00

Wilson / Mervin / King Julian wondering where he will find a wallet big enought to put the cheque from Secunda 231. Also some guys from 350M4M and Secunda 231.

I think I remember my Granny doing that!?

Secunda 231 stopping the grader from build the N17

"It only happend 600 times in the last century"

(Marietjie van Niekerk primary school in Bethal with Sunflower Fund Bandanas)

Back to school is cool!

(Reyno Park high school in Witbank)

Breakfast in Bethal

2010-03-09T08:24:00.004+02:00

Good morning all! Nice and cool in Bethal this morning, and we've had the priviledge of enjoying a relaxed breakfast with Wilco Uys, Director of Operations BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa. We enjoyed the company and would like to thank Wilco for taking a moment out of his busy schedule to meet with us as well as the donation we recived from BECSA as our main sponsor of R75 000.

This will go along way towards the Sunflower Fund in growing the South African Bone Marrow Registry and increrasing the odds of a blood cancer patient finding a matching donor.

Day 4 - Ermelo to Secunda - The runners times

2010-03-08T16:48:00.005+02:00

Danie ran 33 Km in 3H28 today, starting in Ermelo at 7H15 at the Nedbank branch. Riaan ran 33 Km in 3H16, swapping with Danie to keep the legs from turning to acid jello on the the new roads in the making. We are tablers, not road destroyers. While these two chaps were busy, Tarryn and Shayne were at the Reyno Park high school in Witbank to chat to the boys and girls about the Sunflower Fund and Round Table. Sunflower Fund bandanas were left for the teachers to hand out, we did not want to keep the kids out of school too long.

Guy ran 30 Km in 2H48 after joining the other two outside Bethal on the way to Secunda. The Behtal 104 chaps arranged for some of us to visit the Marietjie van Niekerk primary school in Bethal to have a quick chat to the grade 5 and 6's and to hand out Sunflower Fund bandanas before they joined Guy for a quick jog around the school athletics track.

Thank you to Secunda 231 for meeting us on the road during the run for a quick word of encouragement.

Eightkays Kobus joined Guy on the run and did very well to keep up with the super human abilities of the team for the first six kilometers. The last two kilometers were completed some time later. The group finished the day at the Nedbank in Secunda before hitting the fast food joints and then moving on to the Secunda 231 clubhouse.

Behind the scenes - Day 4 (Survivor Bethal/Secunda)

2010-03-08T16:27:00.004+02:00

Honesty is the best policy. Uh, ha.

Between the roadworks and traffic, we prayed (and ran)

Frans Mannetjie

Nedbank Ermelo staff. The run started at 7H15, so why do the banks only open at 9h00. Some things in life need to stay un-answered

The heat was the problem. Which way? From or to? Who's asking? Who are you? Why are we here? Just carry on!

Day 4 - Ermelo to Secunda

2010-03-08T14:24:00.004+02:00

WOW it is hot. Danie and Riaan started off todays run from Ermelo and Guy joined later for the third leg of todays run. Kobus du Toit from Bethal 104 joined guy from Bethal and planned to run the 30 Km leg. Good luck Kobus, Tablers can withstand such torture but the other guys have had some practice over the last three days. More to come.

Ps. Kobus's new nickname is eightkays du Toit.

2010-03-08T09:09:00.002+02:00

Middelburg 126 (and Wilson)

The blog posts are not late, the batteries died.

We have very large snakes in S.A.

There is always time for breakfast. By the way, runners don't eat before a run. Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah.

Yeah! Now I know I am in the right place.

Day 3 - Leg 3

2010-03-08T08:58:00.004+02:00

Danie was on the third shift today and it was all smiles before the run started. He completed his run in 2 hours and 25 minutes which was a great imrpvement on the past days tempo.

Danie is from the Highveld but the sun was well noted as being very different to what was experianced in the last two days down in the nice cool, cloady Lowveld

The team followed the runners in to Ermelo at around 14H00 and finished at the Checkers where we were allowed to put up the all important branding and receive a nice cheque from the Round Table Ermelo 97 guys who were able to do so as a result of a great beer garden project from the local show the days before.

Behind the Scenes (Day 2)

2010-03-08T08:46:00.004+02:00

Always time to watch the rugby.

We saw all kinds of wildlife on the run.

Isn't graffiti illegal?

Hey! This is a fimily show, get back to work.

He aint heavyyyy, he's my brotherrrrrrr!
The photographer says this is very arty.

Stage 4 - 08 March 2010

2010-03-08T08:18:00.002+02:00

Ermelo to Secunda (via Bethal) 92km

This is the longest day of the run...

The legs are stiff and spirits are high, so am sure the leg will be tackled with great gusto! We are having fun!

Riaan is off first, then Danie, and Guy follows in the afternoon.

Donations and pledges are coming in, a bit slower than we though, but maybe that had something to do with the weekend?

Day Three - Leg 2

2010-03-07T11:59:00.004+02:00

Riaan took over just before Chrissiesmere - a small little place on the N17 somewhere between Ermelo and Swaziland! Riaan was feeling stronger today, after plenty of stretching and rub downs before he set off. Completing his 21km leg in 2hrs 26min. Riaan said it was an awesome & cool 21 and much better than the stuff from the days before. We've got great sunshine, but a very nice cool breeze coming from the direction of the Drakensberg... Pictured here is Riaan running into the BHP Billiton Energyu Coal South Africa Handover point #2 for the day - Chat later!

Day Three - Leg 1

2010-03-07T11:51:00.004+02:00

Warburton to Ermelo - 65km

We where up early again this morning and left Badplaas, and after a scenic drive over a mountain pass we found ourselves at an altitude of 1775m above sea level and our starting point in Warburton. Guy took off first in a sunny but crispy 13 Celcius. Roads alot flatter today with Guy feeling a bit flat after the pass he climbed yesterday - he got through his 21km in 2hrs14min. Legs are starting to feel it a bit. The scenery is awesome - grasslands, with plenty of wet areas, and wildlife and birdlife about! We witnessed a buck being chased by locals hunting with pack dogs - so cruel! then later some Dassies on a rocky outcrop. It's amazing what you hear and see next to the road when it's quiet and no cars around. Here is a pic of Guy handing over to Riaan at the BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa (BECSA) handover point.

Day two - Barberton to Badplaas

2010-03-06T20:11:00.006+02:00

Early this morning, half the Round Table 350Miles4Marrow team left the Stay Easy hotel in Nelspruit to drive to the stating point at Barberton. Danie was the first to run his 21 Km and finished it at just over six minutes per kilometer. This is a remarcable achievment considering the mountains and valleys that poor Danie had to commit to.

At around about the time that Guy took over from Danie, the remainder of the team where having a tasty breakfast back in Nelspruit. The cloud cover during Guy's run was much appreciated, although this was not apparent from the look on his face when the second half of the team arrived to join the runners.

Danie replaced Guy near the bottom of the pass for a final five K's to complete his 21 K's in two hours and ten minutes. Riaan took over from Danie on the long climb from the bottom of the pass towards Badplaas where Shayne looking in stunning shape (at left) flew past on his way to the bakkie.

This looked easy after the steep climb up into the clouds but it was long and slow and in the heat of the day. Unfortunately for Riaan his turn coincided almost exactly with the the appearance of the sun and the long, long uphill.

After about an hour on the road nothing had changed (left) and for a long time there was just the heat and the tarmac. However, while running over the the Crocodile River bridge Riaan decided on a team swim and negotiating the steep bank to the river they had a quick dip to cool. A few minutes later he was back on the road for the final push to Badplaas.

On arrival at Badplaas the temperature on the ground was 28 deg and not a breath of air as Riaan reached the end of his 21 kilometers in just two hours 26 minutes - including the swim.

Arriving at the finish line - Badplaas, the pain and heat of the scenic run was quickly forgotten during the well wishes, support and friendly gestures from the team. Thank you to our sponsors (BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Afica, Dust-A-Side, Nedbank, Puma, Sandton Sun and Stay Easy) who had accomodated all costs for the day so far. Now off to reception.

Behind the Scenes ..........

2010-03-06T18:56:00.003+02:00

Jah no, ok fine, Ba - ba - baboon.

Not so hard hey, busy chewing his nails!

Ssssserious!

It;s a brigiight, bright, sunshiny daaaaay!

Can can, can we spot the sponsor.

Behind the scenes ........

2010-03-06T18:21:00.005+02:00

Running is hard enough! but having to push too......!!

Some say this is a picture of blogging on the run, we call this running the blog.

Even the runners need fuel,
and the help

MIELIEEEEEESSSSS!!!!!!!

Tabling is all about family.

Meet Danie du Preez

2010-03-06T18:03:00.005+02:00

Danie is an honory member of Round Table Witbank 57. He has completed two Comrades marathons and two stages of 350 Miles4Marrow (Our editor has a great sense of humour). The "you can do it" attitude is never failing and a welcome addition to any gathering.

Comments on Danie...

Riaan: Silent but violent.

Guy: Proud of the Man

Tarryn: He's got sexy elbows and wonderfull crystal blue eyes.

Peter: Danie is a Bulls supporter. I rest my case!

Frans: "Hy's 'n berg se baas"

Shayne: After watching guy rubbing Danies leg up the right way after a run, I will never see either of them the same light again.

Meet Frans Range!

2010-03-06T17:50:00.003+02:00

Frans is one of our Crew Members and an Honorary Round Tabler from Middelburg 126!

His role on the 350Miles4Marrow is driver, treasurer, chef and 2ic Branding manager - oh, and the taste tester of all refreshments served on route or round the braai????

Comments on Frans...

Danie: Frans just keeps the show on the road

Riaan: We almost had nowhere to stay tonight, cause Frans said it was too expensive!

Shayne: Struggles to keep the engine running, the runners havn't stalled yet - but Frans does this regularly...

Guy: Only Fransmannetjie????

Peter: He's not driving my camera!

Tarryn: He's Sexy, and has great calves!

From Guy - "Day 2 Under the belt"

2010-03-06T14:37:00.007+02:00

Started in the mist and ended in some serious heat...

The pass was a monster and Danie & Guy battled up one pace at a time - the hill went up for 9km - it was rediculous? Riaan got the big heat and we now at Badplaas 64km behind us, and legs are starting to feel a bit stiff...

Looking forward to a good old fashion braai tonight - just the Runners and the Crew!

Missing the families and wish they were with us...

Let's see how it goes tomorrow?

Day 1 Pics

2010-03-06T11:38:00.005+02:00

Barberton 67 Day/Night Golf Day

2010-03-06T10:41:00.003+02:00

We ended our first stage at the Barberton Golf Club, where a most interesting day was on the go. Hosted by Round Table Barberton 67, the format was the first nine starting at 4pm, then a braai dinner, then start your second nine in the dark with a glow in the dark ball! Looked like lots of fun. Anyway - they host ed the day to raise funds for our run, and here pictured is Andrew Lea, Member of Round Table, handing over a cheque of R5000 toward the run.

To all at Barberton 67, thank you for your efforts and hosting us so nicely. We had a good time, specially holding our first fine's meeting while you braaied us boerewors rolls!

Stage 2 Preview

2010-03-06T10:37:00.002+02:00

Stage 2 - Saturday 6th March - Barberton to Badplaas

64km and one monster pass - it's one of the stages we think will be up there with the toughest days... we start at 661m above sea level, climb to 1555m then down to 1103m at the end of the day! Goodluck lads?

Stage 1 Leg 2

2010-03-05T13:18:00.004+02:00

Riaan just ran down a monster pass - tough on the quads! Had lunch on the side of the road and Riaan pretty upset that we chowing and he couldn't stop... clouds are opening up and getting hotter - add the humidity, and it's pretty tough going right now!

When asked for comment Riaan replied with one comment... "Hills!"

PS - Riaan's still smiling and taking it in his stride!

Stage 1 On the Go

2010-03-05T12:51:00.004+02:00

Our three brave runners started outside the Nedbank Branch in Brown Street Nelspruit at 11am. The first half of todays stage is all ready behind us. Riaan is on the road, and Guy (pictured here) has completed his portion of today's stage... Heard today of pledges coming in from Kirkwood 78 Table (R4078) and Cradock 37 (R1000)... thanks Gents! The Tables from the EP Area are leading the way in pledges so far...

Danie is running next and when asked for comment, said the following "I'll comment after I've done my bit... Riaan is sweating as it's hot out there"

Nelspruit Golf Day

2010-03-05T08:23:00.005+02:00

Yesterday we attended the prize giving of the golf day at the Matumi Golf Estate, where the Round Table clubs, Nelspruit 49 and White River 64 hosted a golf day!

We had a fantastic time with the Tablers and their golfing guests, who where exceptionally generous, donating R20 500.00 to 350 Miles4Marrow.

Thank you to all involved in the day, we truly enjoyed our time with you.

STAGE PREVIEW - 05 MARCH

2010-03-04T10:14:00.002+02:00

Stage One - Nelspruit to Barberton

Starting at Nedbank Branch - 30 Brown Street, Nelsruit 11am
Ending at the Barberton Golf Club sometime after 15h45

An interesting route to say the least - along the R40. Approximately 48km in length starting at an elevation of 679m above sea level, climbing to 1006m, then down a rather steep pass and finishing at 841m.

So a nice tough outing for day one - all in the midday sun!

Lets see how it goes tomorrow.

ONE DAY TO GO

2010-03-04T09:58:00.002+02:00

CAN YOU BELIVE IT - WE START OUR 560KM JOURNEY TOMORROW!

Thank you to everyone involoved... The Round Table, The Sunflower Fund, BHP Billiton Energy Coal and our other Sponsors, The Media for spreading the word and to the public who have all ready started making pledges.

Please follow us on this blog to see regular updates and photos of our progress - we will also keep you up to date has to how much we've raised.

We really want to break the R500 000 mark by the end - and need your support to acheive this!

Goodluck to the Runners and Crew and may you finish on the 12 March at Merose Arch Piazza in good shape and having enjoyed a life changing journey!

Riaan back into full swing!

2010-03-01T10:36:00.004+02:00

Riaan's knee played up a bit two weeks ago - a light case of Runner's Knee! After some good rest, we are very relieved that Riaan is 100% again and got two 15km Runs in the weekend to get back into he swing of things... We holding thumbs that all goes well on the route?

RT126 Prawn Evening a huge success!

2010-02-28T09:58:00.002+02:00

Round Table Middelburg 126 hosted their Prawn Evening last night at Greenfields! It was a entertaining evening with many kg's of prawns enjoyed by the 170 plus guests. The proceeds of this evening will be donated to 350Miles4Marrow! A special thank you to all the Tablers, Wives and friends of Table for their tireless efforts behind the scenes to make this such a wonderful evening. So many positive comments were received.
Watch this space for updates & photos on the evening which we'll place on the blog as soon as we can...

BHP Billiton Energy Coal - Our Main Sponsor

2010-02-28T09:49:00.002+02:00

BECSA is proud to announce its support for the Round Table 350 Miles4Marrow Campaign which aims to raise R500 000 to assist the Sunflower Fund in recruiting healthy bone marrow stem cell donors from all ethnic groups.

The 350 Miles4Marrow campaign kicks off on 5 March 2010 and will see three social runners from Round Table Southern Africa running from Nelspruit to Johannesburg, which is a distance of 350miles (570 km’s) in eight days.The route these guys will be running has been planned carefully so that they pass through the Witbank / Middelburg area and make a few interesting stops along their way.

During the handover of a R 75 000 cheque by BECSA, Wilco Uys, Vice President: Operations said, “I hope that our sponsorship, which will be used for the day-to-day spending by the runners will assist them in generating the much needed funds and awareness for this worthy cause.”

Pretoria Marathon 27 Feb

2010-02-28T08:15:00.003+02:00

Marathon behind us... this is a killer route - Fort Klapperkop is a monster hill - and the Route Planner really has a sense of humour, cause we ran it twice!! Still dont get why we come back year after year to this tough one. Had plenty of fun, with the objective of getting time on the leags, which we acheived. A nice and gentle 4hrs 30 should have us set up nicely for the miles ahead of us starting Friday!

Happy Birthday

2010-02-22T13:51:00.002+02:00

Danie turned 41 on the 17th and Guy 31 on the 20th February! A happy happy birthday to you both and goodluck with the run next week!

Car Decals ready!

2010-02-22T13:44:00.004+02:00

Collected the car decals today from the printers - Inprint Printers & Signs (013)656 5195 - who made these up for us at no charge. They look great! Thanks to Phillip an the taem from Inprint for their contribution towards 350Miles4Marrow.

Castle Light

2010-02-22T13:40:00.002+02:00

Great thanks to Castle Light who have come on board to keep the crew and runners refreshed after each day's run... something small and much appreciated.

Drink & Drive and you will get caught.
A reality check from SAB

Training Progress

2010-02-15T09:22:00.002+02:00

18 Days to Go! And a bad week has ended... Riaan is battling with a bit of runners knee and took the week off to recover and rest? We hope he gets that stretched out quickly! Guy managed a 28km training run on Sunday after a very quiet week running wise, with his wife Zelda in Hospital. Who knew Witbank has so many hills? The infamous Lunar Street and Sky Street after 26km is no joke. Danie enjoyed a 2hr run on Sunday after a busy day with the kids. The week ahead promises many kays, building up to the Marathon we running in PTA on the 27th Feb!

Fund Raiser 27/02/2010

2010-02-12T10:36:00.004+02:00

Round Table Middelburg 126 will be hosting their annual Prawn Evening on the 27 February 2010 at Greenfields near Middelburg, Mpumalanga. They have elected 350Miles4Marrow as the beneficiery. Tickets cost R350 per couple or R200 per single, and includes "eat as much as you like" Prawns, Chicken Liver Starter, Chicken Breasts for the non-seafood eaters, a 750ml bottle of Graca, entertainment, dancefloor and auction... your more information or for booking of tickets, please contact Kallie on 082 852 3325

Accommodation in Nelspruit

2010-02-12T10:13:00.003+02:00

A special thank you to the Stay Easy, Emnotweni (by Southern Sun) who have kindly sponsored 4 twin rooms at their hotel for the two nights we will be staying in Nelspruit...

This Morning's Training Run

2010-02-06T16:19:00.007+02:00

Earlier today got another decent training run in... Danie & Guy competed the McCarthy Toyota Half Marathon in Pretoria in a very comfortable and relaxed 1hr54min! Sun was out and they had a good training run - legs fine and feeling strong! There are so many more runners on the roads this year, must have something to do with the record entries for Comrades this year?

Our Emailer

2010-02-05T17:41:00.004+02:00

And so it starts... with plenty of man hours behind us, with awesome support from Round Table and The Sunflower Fund... and with many thanks to our Main Sponsor - BHP Billiton... as well as our associate sponsors, Dust-A-Side and Nedbank... the big run is getting closer!

With less than 30 days to the start of our run... we welcome you all to following our journey over the next 45 days or so, hoping to raise R1/2m in the process...

We hope to see you on or near the route, at one of the associated events or simply adding to the initiative with a small donation or by spreading the awareness of what we are doing and the cause we are doing it for.

Thank you for supporting 350Miles4Marrow campaign in 2010!