Our Health and safety advisor, Bob Copeland, is no stranger to a challenge; after all, from his home in Dunfermline, he runs in all weathers and has competed in several marathons.
Bob has always been a keen runner but turned to long-distance running around 2013; he reckons he’s taken part in 7-8 organised marathons but has run the whole marathon distance probably around 15 times!
So, clearly, he loves running and likes to push himself to new levels of endurance, so it was difficult for him not to accept a challenge from a South African friend in the local pub 18 months ago. The gauntlet was thrown down to take part in one of the most arduous running challenges on the annual calendar; it was to take part in the Comrades Marathon!
This world-renowned event, billed as ‘the ultimate human race,’ is a gruelling annual ultramarathon between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban in South Africa, a distance of 53 miles. It is on many people’s bucket lists and attracted 22,000 entrants this year, with 23,000 already registered to take part in 2025.
The race alternates each year: one year, it starts in Durban, and the following year, it begins in Pietermaritzburg. This is important to mention because Durban is at sea level, and Pietermaritzburg is around 3000ft above. You’ve probably already guessed that Bob chose the year when it was the ‘Up-Run’, leaving from Durban and basically running uphill for 53 miles to the finish line in Pietermaritzburg.
Another sting in the tail is that there is a 12-hour time limit to finish the course. You’ll be delighted to hear that Bob completed the run in a very creditable 11 hours and 22 mins and then took a well-earned break in the South African sunshine.
However, this wasn’t just about friends issuing drink-fuelled challenges and Bob’s passion for running; he is also raising significant funds for CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland). For thirty years, CHAS has been offering a complete family support service for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions. This includes palliative care, family respite, and support through hospices, home care services, and hospital presence.
Here at Atexa, we applaud Bob’s efforts for rising to the challenge of running the Comrades Marathon and for doing it to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause. As a company, we like to give back, and we are encouraged and inspired when we see members of our team going above and beyond not only in pursuit of their passion but also in helping others less fortunate. Thank you, Bob; you are a shining example to us all.
If you’d like to acknowledge Bob’s incredible efforts by making a donation to CHAS, you can do so on the JustGiving page here.
