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Comrades Marathon runners chipped in with over R6 million for local charities

The CHOC Cows were looking udderly amoozing at their water point in Hillcrest. Image: Supplied This year's Comrades Marathon not only saw thousands of runners pounding the pavement from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, but it also became a powerful catalyst for change, raising over R6 million through the Comrades Marathon Association's Amabeadibeadi Charity Drive. The funds generated during Sunday's event will benefit six deserving charities, each represented by passionate participants aimed at making a difference in their communities. Since its inception in 1996, the Amabeadibeadi initiative has been integral in supporting vital organisations, including the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC), SANParks Honorary Rangers, Community Chest, Rise Against Hunger, Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT), and Childline KwaZulu-Natal. CHOC has emerged as a leading beneficiary this year with R2.5 million raised, thanks in large part to the enthusiasm of the runners known as the "CHOC Cows." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Manager Jayde McCarthy expressed pride in the fundraising effort. 'We did super well with our cows being absolutely amoozing!' she said. McCarthy highlighted the remarkable contribution of fundraiser Ida van de Wetering, who single-handedly secured R165,000. 'It's incredibly motivating to consider that we are running on behalf of children battling cancer,' she added. The CHOC Cows at their water point in Hillcrest during the Comrades Marathon. Image: Supplied The festive mood at the CHOC water station in Hillcrest was palpable, where participants and supporters danced, mooed, and shared joy with high fives and hugs. 'Our sponsor, Balwin, made that spot possible, and we are so grateful!' McCarthy exclaimed, as vibrant cow prints adorned the space. The SANParks Honorary Rangers team at their watering hole in Camperdown. Image: SANParks Honorary Rangers/ Facebook This year marked the second occasion that SANParks Honorary Rangers participated in the marathon, with representative Peter Zietsman sharing insights about their commitments: 'Due to financial limitations, we have certain capital expenditure requirements that cannot be met. Events like these allow us to fill those gaps for SANParks to achieve its objectives in terms of community responsibilities.' Their watering hole, featuring two grand blow-up elephants, served as a reminder of their mission to protect South Africa's natural heritage. Community Chest's executive director, Gordon McDonald, also spoke passionately about their purpose for the funds raised. 'The money will be spent on early childhood development because there's a critical problem with children not receiving enough early education,' he explained. The Community Chest team at their refreshment station. Image: Community Chest/ Facebook With a focus on offering nutritious food and stimulating educational programmes, Community Chest supports approximately 7,800 children daily in vulnerable areas around Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Their refreshment station, strategically placed 1.5 km from the finish line, became a point of encouragement for runners along the challenging route.