City of Cape Town has appreciated the firefighters of the town for completing the race in record time. Firefighters Jermaine Carelse, Renaldo Duncan, Steve Akester and Liam Gannon from the Volunteer Wildfire Services have participated as half-marathon runners in the Two Oceans Marathon.
Reportedly, Jermaine and Renaldo ran for an additional 10kg of breathing apparatus to support the course by making a donation to the TTOM Charity Challenge.
Confirming the donation, they have also extended gratitude to Santam Insurance and expressed, “We are overwhelmed with gratitude to Santam for their incredibly generous donation of R100,000 towards the courageous endeavour by 4 firefighters to run in the Two Oceans Marathon on Sunday, April 14, in their full gear, including added extra weight!”
They added further, “Your support brings them closer to their goal of raising R400,000 for the Volunteer Wildfire Services.”
Before the race, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith has also shared his verse in appreciation of the firefighters and said that the Two Oceans Marathon is a special event and this initiative just adds another layer to the day.
Smith stated, “I want to encourage the public to come out along the route and support all the runners and also give the firefighters the boost that they actually need to cross the finish line.”
Asking to make the donation for the great cause, Alderman JP Smith has said, “It is even more important, to go and find the VWS website or social media channels and hit the donate button.”
“Every little bit helps and we appreciate those who have already opened their hearts and wallets to support the great cause,” said JP Smith.
The Cape Town firefighters were expected to cross the finish line before the cut-off of 3hours 30 minutes and raise some much-needed funds for the Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) in the process.
The firefighters were easy to spot in the race as they were wearing full firefighting gear and a 10kg self-containing breathing apparatus.