By Amber Steyn
On 20 September, Simonsberg Men’s Residence hosted their annual Simon2Sea half-marathon. This half-marathon was a 22km route from Voorgras directly to Strand Beach. Over 100 people at Simonsberg were keen to partake in this annual event. The social impact half-marathon has a direct relation to the fund called Simon4Simon, which annually raises funds for Simonsbergers in need and it aims to raise R10 000.
Simon2Sea is an initiative that was created in 2022 by Hanno Erwee, who was the fifth senator (Simonsberg leadership position) at that time. Jack Parker, a third-year BCom (Economic Sciences) student and one of the organisers, stated that doing this half-marathon was a good way for everyone to get out and be active, while doing it for a good cause. While participating in something as fun and active as this, Parker added, “A lot of this money goes towards our Simon bursary and meal bursary, which are granted to Simonbergers in need and over the years has made a huge difference.”
This event was not just open to present members of Simonsberg Men’s Residence, but as it highlights the broader concept of inclusivity, past members, friends and family were able to participate in this event. Zander Coetzer, a second-year BAcc student, stated, “The support from the rest of the Simonboys and parents was definitely one of my highlights, and also reminding myself that I was doing it for a bigger cause made me push through the pain, and the end was the best when I was welcome by Simonbergers at the finish line!” Parker added, “A memorable moment for me […] was getting to run the whole thing with all my mates in the Senaat [and] the reward of completing it and swimming in the cold ocean afterwards.”
A challenge that they faced was getting the word out in relation to the funds they aimed for. As the broader idea of this half-marathon was to raise funds, Parker stated that the message he and the rest of the team would like to send out is that they are stronger as a collective and that it is important to realise the impact one can have on the wider community. He added, “The challenge [is] doing something that may seem impossible and how that determination and willpower is what truly drives how we can better ourselves and those around us. I believe it’s the idea of doing something for the benefit of others, and our goal is to make it even bigger every year.”
