For the second year two Helderberg firefighters will tough out the Totalsports Two Oceans Half-Marathon kitted-out in their firefighting gear.
Local duo Jermaine Carelse and Renaldo Duncan will champion the province’s biggest running event on Sunday (16 April), with the hopes of darting across the finish-line in under two hours and 40 minutes or less, and raising funds for the Volunteer Wildfire Service (VWS).
Carelse, who dutifully serves as Divisional Commander at Goodwood Fire Station and is known as the voice of the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service, heeded the call to save lives as a firefighter 22 years ago.
After finishing school he studied business administration. But after realising that the field just wasn’t for him, he eventually applied and was accepted into the South African National Defence Force in 1996. He later applied to the City of Cape Town in hopes of joining the ranks as part of its firefighting service and embarked on his training in 2000 after being selected from thousands of applicants. Since then he has worked in the Stellenbosch-, Cape Winelands District- and Langeberg municipalities before returning to City in 2012. In November 2020 Carelse was promoted to Divisional Commander who, as a passionate firefighter, continues to strive towards his big career goal, which is to make a tangible difference in the Fire and Rescue Service. This, to him, would mean to significantly reduce the number of deaths that occur as a result of fires, particularly in informal settlements and backyard dwellings.
The proud Helderberger was among staff honoured for going beyond their call of duty at the service’s mid-year awards two years ago (“SLP firefighter’s work lauded,” 9 September 2021).
Duncan has been with the service for 13 years and is currently based at the Sir Lowry’s Pass Fire Station.
The running pair previously toughed out the challenge back in 2017 and Carelse expressed having a good time with many people in awe at their amazing feat. Duncan shared having upped his preparation game and eyes set on their improvement. The only item of their attire that will not be firefighting gear are the running shoes they will be laced-up in.
“Volunteer Wildfire Service greatly assist us, especially during the summer season,” shared Carelse. “So if we can raise some funds for them to buy equipment or stock up on fuel supply, that will be appreciated.”
Donations to the VWS can be made directly via their website, www.vws.org.za or their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerWildfireServices.
“Our Safety and Security staff members do so much to make us proud, and this is but the latest example of individuals going above and beyond, and for such a great cause to boot,” said the Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. “I want to wish Jermaine and Renaldo all the very best for their adventure. It is no easy feat, but I have full confidence in their abilities. I also want to encourage the public to please donate what they can to the Volunteer Wildfire Service, which is the non-profit that our runaway firefighters are drumming up support for.
“The VWS is an incredible partner to the various firefighting agencies, and every little bit helps to keep them on the fire line when we need them most.”
The Mother City plays host to this year’s 53rd edition of the most scenic road race which comprises the 56 km iconic ultra-marathon routed around the picturesque Cape Peninsula on Saturday (15 April) and Sunday’s (16 April) 21 km half-marathon attracts which attracts a sold-out field year-on-year since its inception in 1998.
Attracting over 20 000 local and international participants, runners will begin the scenic foot race in Newlands and head out towards Noordhoek, followed by the majestic sea view from Chapman’s Peak, before the big climb up Suikerbossie Pass and then pushing through to the finish line at UCT rugby fields.
“This event has such global appeal, and the City of Cape Town remains a proud supporter. We do want to remind residents that there will be traffic impacts due to the road closures for the event. The City’s enforcement and emergency services will be deployed to ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently to safeguard all runners and spectators on both race days, while also ensuring motorists are able to get to their destinations with minimal inconvenience. We appeal to everyone to familiarise themselves with the road closure schedule and restricted access routes for both days, and we encourage residents to come out and cheer on the runners on various points along the route”, added Smith.
For the full road closure list click here: https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/TTOM%202023%20-%20Road%20Closure%20Notice%20English%20Draft%208%20Final%20-%202023-03-31.pdf
