GEORGE NEWS - Don't be surprised if new dad, Britain's prince Harry, turns up at next year's Avis Van Rental Run 2 Raise event. 

A request for prince Harry to be special guest at the event in 2020 has been submitted to Kensington Palace.

This was confirmed by Elna Schwartz, driving force and main organiser of the event. According to Schwartz the invitation is based on his passion for upliftment and the potential increase in participant numbers his attendance could bring. 

The prince and his wife, Meghan became parents to a baby boy, Archie, on 6 May.

Schwartz said prince Harry's presence could lead to an increase in funds to support the cost of a new blade for one of the athletes, Ronaldinho Davidson (11), who will need a bigger one when he reaches his teenage years. 

While the cost of his existing blade is R50 000, it will then be between R150 000 and R200 000.

Run 2 Raise first took place in 2016 and is registered on the Nedbank Running Club calendar, subject to the rules of Athletics SA and ASWD.

Elna Schwartz, driving force behind the Avis Van Rental RUN 2 RAISE event.
Photo: Eugene Gunning

"I want athletes with special needs to experience the joy and rush of taking part in a run," Schwartz said. "The new blade runners' category is exciting, which is a humble part of these athletes' journeys. Run 2 Raise will go a long way to effect positive change in the lives of athletes with special needs."

The funds raised are used to support children with special needs. "In 2016 and 2017 funds from the event secured nine special-needs bicycles for children at Binah Legacy Centre for autistic children," said Schwartz. 

In 2018, Ronaldinho was identified and all funds raised - R15 000 - contributed to a running blade which made it possible for him to run his first 3km in the event. 

"Ronaldinho is now the official beneficiary of Run 2 Raise. The trust account is established with Barkley Oates Incorporated."

In future all funds will be managed and used by Barkley Oates for the ongoing maintenance of his prosthetic leg as well as the running blade.

This year the well-known Xolani Luvuno was part of the event. "As a special guest, he made it possible for me to take him to three schools - York High, Parkdene Primary and Parkdene Secondary - and to inspire, motivate and uplift the youth," said Schwartz.

Numbers
The event started with a 5km race and 123 athletes in 2016. The next year, a 10km race was added and 210 athletes took part, with 90 participants in the 5km fun walk. In 2018 altogether 293 athletes participated in the 10km and 110 people did the 3km fun walk. 

This year, 263 athletes took part in the 10km and 125 in the 3km fun walk. Ronaldinho completed his 3km in 21 minutes and 6 seconds. The plan is to add 21km to the event.

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