Despite being hit by a car and injuring her neck and shoulder, during one of her runs, wildlife enthusiast and entrepreneur, Sharon Jessop, successfully completed her 62 days of consecutive running in order to set a Guinness World Record.
However, Jessop, who ran 22km every day in all weather conditions to raise funds for the One Land Love It Foundation (OLLI) and Community Chest of the Eastern Cape, has now extended her initiative to 101 days and will officially complete her mission on December 31 this year.
According to the 50-year-old, when she researched the world record and applied for it, the official record for the most consecutive half marathon distances run by a female was 50 days.
“After I started, I received an email from them stating that the official record is now 75 days so I thought, all right then, I will do 86 days, which will take me to December 16,” Jessop explained.
“Then I heard about Trish Eksteen in Durban doing 100 consecutive half marathons and right there I made up my mind that I need to do 101 half marathons. Although hers is an unofficial record, my mind will not allow me to do less and Trish is such an amazing person and athlete, she is already busy training for her next adventure! We have, however, agreed to not continue doing half marathons into infinity,” she added.
This world record attempt will lead into the main “Run Wild for Rhinos” Expedition, which will follow in September 2021.
Jessop will then run from the Mozambique border back to Nelson Mandela Bay, symbolically linking all the reserves containing rhinos.
“It actually feels amazing to have completed the 62 days. It’s a major milestone for me and actually quite an emotional but incredible experience. I’ve reconnected with old friends, made new ones and met so many people with the most amazing and inspirational stories. The public and Port Elizabeth SMMEs have also been amazing in donating towards my campaign.”
Jessop said that there were a few challenges along the way. On day five, she got bumped on her left upper arm by a car in Villiers Road, Walmer, and subsequently battled with her neck and shoulder for about two weeks.
“Luckily, I recovered with the help of my chiropractor and massage therapists. My friend and helper, Pierre, also got bumped right off his bicycle by another driver on a different occasion, so I guess inconsiderate drivers have been our biggest challenge to date.”
When asked about her health, especially after running in trying weather conditions, Jessop answered that she is generally blessed with excellent health and that this endeavour was no different.
“I also do not believe that rain and cold and wind make you ill. In fact, research done by the Harvard Medical School suggests the contrary! It strengthens your immune system.”
Although she spent most of 2020 running for good causes, Jessop doesn’t plan to take a break in the New Year.
She will be running a marathon in January, the Addo 100 miler, during the first weekend in March, and might even do another Comrades Marathon before the Run Wild Expedition against rhino poaching in September next year.
