This weekend, the finish line at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon will represent more than just a personal athletic achievement for seven staff members from the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Health Sciences. On April 11 and 12, 2026, the team will tackle the 21 km and 56 km distances with a singular, mission-critical goal: raising vital funds to keep struggling students in the classroom.
Miles That Matter: Turning Endurance into Opportunity
For many students within the Faculty, financial hardship—specifically outstanding fees—remains a major hurdle that threatens to derail their academic progress. The UP runners have pledged their participation to the Life Changers Fund, an initiative that has already distributed over R1.2 million in student support since January 2026.
Professor Priya Soma-Pillay, Deputy Dean: Stakeholder Relations, emphasized that the marathon is a symbol of the Faculty’s commitment to the next generation of healthcare workers.
“This initiative speaks to something far greater than the race itself. It is about recognising the immense potential within our students and ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of their academic progress.”
A Collective Journey of Purpose
The team’s motivation is deeply personal, with each runner viewing the upcoming race as a testament to perseverance and service:
- Professor Natalie Schellack (Department of Pharmacology): Training for her longest distance to date, she describes every step as “a prayer of thanks and a contribution towards changing a student’s life.”
- Dr. Enriqué Ashford Francis: An Ultra-Marathon debutant, Dr. Francis views the race as part of a larger 2026 challenge that includes the Cape Town and Comrades Marathons, proving that “with commitment and discipline, you can conquer any challenge.”
- Professor Matthys van Aardt (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology): Returning for his second year of endurance racing, Prof. van Aardt runs to honor his faith and create opportunities for students who might otherwise be forced to drop out.
How You Can Help
The team is inviting the public and corporate partners to join their mission by contributing to the “Miles That Matter” BackaBuddy campaign.
Financial uncertainty is a major source of stress for students in demanding clinical degrees. By donating, supporters are not just funding a degree; they are investing in the future of the South African healthcare system, ensuring these future professionals can graduate and return to uplift communities nationwide.
Every kilometre these staff members run is a step toward securing a student’s future. If you would like to support the UP Health Sciences team, contributions can be made directly via their [BackaBuddy campaign link].
