International champion marathon runner Lusapho April, from Uitenhage, shares his passion for running, inspiring people and giving back, and tells us why the people of PE should be supporting The Color Run and Capitec Live Better movement on 12 June at the Boardwalk Complex. Hint: it’s for a great local cause. (Scroll down to win 2 double tickets to the Color Run)
1. We hear you are a big supporter of The Color Run – the “happiest 5k on earth” – in Port Elizabeth on 12 June. What appeals to you about The Color Run?
The Color Run appeals to me as an individual and a runner, because it inspires people to get out, to get running, to be happy and healthy, and to do something great with and for their community. It’s an event for the whole family so it’s a great way to get the kids off the couch and to have lots of fun in the open air. The Color Run and its sponsor Capitec Bank are using the event to inspire people to be the best version of themselves, to take a step in life towards being good to themselves and their communities, and that really resonates with me. I also believe in that. I also think it’s a great day out for the people of PE and the Eastern Cape and will be a happy event.
2. You grew up in the Eastern Cape and went on to become an international star, but you’re still living here. Tells us what you love about living and training here.
I love the Eastern Cape. It’s my home. I was born and raised here and although I’m travelling a lot, I’m still spending a lot of time here. I love the people of this province and the climate and scenery. It’s where my passion for running started and it’s still the best place for me to train. I would like to encourage the people of the Eastern Cape to embrace the fresh air and beauty of this place and to get out and run. It’s a privilege they must enjoy.
3. One of Capitec’s themes at Color Run is to take a step in life to live better. They talk about how we can all be freer if we take control and take a step towards creating a better life for ourselves and others. The message is that control gives you freedom. Do you find that this philosophy true for your own life?
Yes, absolutely. In my life I’ve had to make a decision and a commitment to take my passion for running seriously and to turn it from a childhood sport into a professional career. Whether you have a talent for running, or music, or working with people, or starting a business, or you want to get an education – whatever it is – you can choose to overcome your obstacles and to make something of your talent. You can take control and that will give you the freedom in life to pursue your dreams. When I was a small boy I never thought I would travel the world and win marathons here and in other countries, but with hard work and dedication you can achieve anything. I always love to say that good things come to those who believe, better things come to those who have patience, and the best things come to those who never give up.
4. What advice can you give other people out there about how to go about following their dreams like you did?
I would advise people to persevere, take a step out of your comfort zone and not to let failure keep you from trying again. Believe in your dream and work towards it. Overcoming obstacles is easy if you have the attitude that winning or losing is a learning experience that can help you to grow. Always be humble and don’t let your success go to your head. With that attitude you will go places.
5. We hear that you are especially passionate about the cause behind The Color Run PE and that you are making a personal donation to the cause. Tell us more about that.
Yes, The Color Run PE is not just a fun day out running, which I think is great, but it’s also for a great cause. Capitec Bank is raising money for Qhayiyalethu Intermediate School in Kareedouw, in partnership with the Adopt-a-School foundation. For every ticket sold to the Color Run in PE, Capitec donates R10 towards this local school. They are doing this all over the country, wherever Color Run goes, but this will be the first time that they will be working with Adopt-a-School to help a school in the PE area. I would like to encourage the people of PE to get behind them and to help them raise a lot of money for the school. I am also getting personally involved. Capitec is donating an additional R10 000 to the school on my behalf. Unfortunately I can’t be at Color Run event because I’m training for the Olympics, but I will be there in spirit and I’m looking forward to supporting the school. I hope the children will feel supported and inspired to follow their dreams.
The happiest 5K on the planet is about to splash Port Elizabeth with bright and beautiful colours on the 12 June. Headline sponsor Capitec Bank is bringing the popular Color Run back to the city and making running fun and accessible. The movement has inspired thousands to put on some takkies, get active and support their communities across South Africa.
Capitec Bank shares The Color Run’s passion for social upliftment and will donate R10 from each ticket sold to a school for much-needed resources. For the Port Elizabeth leg of the series, Qhayiyalethu Intermediate Secondary School has been identified as the chosen beneficiary by the Adopt-A-School Foundation. These funds will be used to assist with the development of a sustainable vegetable garden and additionally Capitec Bank will offer a financial skills programme to the teachers.
“The resource needs of Qhayiyalethu are in line with what Capitec works to achieve in its communities that it serves. Not only will we bring joy to the participants in this fun run event but also new opportunities and hopes for better education to the learners at Qhayiyalethu,” says Capitec Bank spokesperson Charl Nel.
Adopt-a-School Foundation is a non-profit organisation that supports the creation and enhancement of a conducive learning and teaching environment in disadvantaged schools.
“As a runner who loves my community, I call on the people of the Eastern Cape to support The Color Run in PE. Not only will you have a great day out, being active and healthy, but you’ll also be supporting a school that needs your help,” says Lusapho April, the champion long distance runner from Uitenhage.
While Lusapho April cannot be at the event, as he is training for the Olympics, he would like to see as many locals at the event. He will also be making a personal donation of R10 000 to Qhayiyalethu to show his support.
Brighter, shinier and happier this year, with the introduction of The Rainbow Tour, the event is designed to uplift and inspire runners to stand out from the crowd, sweat sparkles, and continue to live their lives in a happy and healthy way. Get ready for Color Blasts and joy at the Finish Festival.
Color Runners will each receive a race pack with includes a 2016 edition race T-Shirt, headband, bag of colour powder, temporary tattoos, and a race number.
Additionally, every Color Runner will receive a R200 voucher from Superbalist.
The Color Run is the single largest event series in the world, hosting events in over 200 cities, in 40 countries every year.
Alan Straton
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