GOOD CAUSE | Johannesburger attempts Ironman while in coronavirus lockdown

Cooped up at home during South Africa's ongoing 21-day lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic and inspired by the exploits of a Frenchman who ran a marathon on his 7m-long balcony, one Johannesburger is taking things a step further.

Many steps further in fact!

In an attempt to keep the muscle from turning into flab, Stuart "The Running Mann" Mann will on 4 April attempt an Ironman in the confines of his abode.

Mann, who has logged over 240 marathons and ultra-marathons - including 10 Comrades and 17 Two Oceans - to date, will look to keep things 'light and fun' during the 'ordeal' which he anticipates will take between 13-17 hours.

In addition to being a real 'iron' man by ironing shirts during the transitions and stopping to braai during the marathon leg, Mann will also post and live stream on social media during the course of the day.

For more information on the heart-warming cause, how to donate (corporates and individuals) and how best to follow Mann's exploits, see below:

Basic concept: Guy who runs a marathon every weekend attempts to do a 'Home Ironman' during coronavirus lockdown

Logistics: 3.86km swim (351 lengths of an 11m pool); 180.25km ride on an exercise bike; 42.2km run (325 laps of a 65m x 2 driveway)

Date: Saturday, 4 April

Contact info: Stuart Mann / therunningmann@gmail.com

The cause: Raise money for High School & Tertiary education for high aptitude children who would otherwise not have access to a decent education. This is a charity I have personally supported for 13 years. 100% of the money goes to the learner’s education and they also receive extra tutoring, etc. They have achieved spectacular results (both of the learners I’ve sponsored through high school passed matric with an 'A' aggregate)

(Quick weblinks to the charity: Just the One Foundation who educate high aptitude learners from currently underprivileged backgrounds through the Alexandra Education Committee)

Corporate donation ask: Any corporate that sponsors will be highlighted and mentioned by name (all donations welcome but suggested corporate minimum donation R5 000)

First corporate donation: Galileo Risk, who have previously supported the sponsored Two Oceans and Comrades entries for cash-strapped runners initiative, immediately came on board with a R10 000 donation. Galileo Risk founder Hayden Simpson has confirmed he will join in by doing a 180km ride in support of Home Ironman

Individual donation ask: I am requesting that individual donors consider donating the race fee for a cancelled event that they would have entered or an amount equal to the weekly petrol / transport cost that is not being incurred during lockdown. It would also be great for people join in the 'Home Ironman' challenge on 4 April with a home cardio activity or a mini (or maybe even full) Home Ironman attempt themselves

Donation methods:

· Option 1 - Once off donations anywhere in the world with card or transfer: https://simpletogive.org.za/just-the-one-foundation/

· Option 2 - Bank transfer EFT: Just the One, FNB cheque account, Account #62374379793, Branch 250655, Reference “HIM + your name”

· Option 3 - Donate R100 per month via debit order: https://app.simpletosign.co.za/mandate?id=JTOYNHKLRCWR

· Option 4 - Just email or message The Running Mann on social media with your pledge and he’ll get hold of you after the event to arrange transfer

About the 'Running Mann': Stuart Mann is an Agile Coach in a large corporate by day and an obsessive marathon runner by early morning. The Running Mann has run over 240 marathons and ultras (including 10 Comrades and 17 Two Oceans). He is most of the way there to achieving his current mission of running every marathon in South Africa. He is a prodigious writer with a popular blog, monthly column in South Africa’s largest running publication (Modern Athlete) and a regular contributor of athletics articles to Sport24. He is a father (two girls), husband (one wife) and a trainee feminist. Stuart’s lifetime ambition is to secure a beer sponsor. The Running Mann’s adventures can be followed on Twitter / Facebook / Instagram & on his blog.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
Despite not owning a bike nor having swum lengths in 15 years*, I'll attempt a full Home IronMan next Sat in aid of Education.

Full details to come.
100% of donation goes to the kids.
DM if you'd like to support future of????.

* However I've run a few marathons! pic.twitter.com/zQOMHCbg7q

— The Running Mann (Marathons & Mischief) (@runningmann100) March 29, 2020