Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon – Meet the Bobs for Good Team

The Bobs for Good Team is training hard and even though the marathon looks like it's going to be tough, they're doing it for a good cause – to raise awareness for the Bobs for Good Foundation, and to get school shoes onto the feet of South Africa's neediest learners.

They are overwhelmed by support that runners and event organisers have shown already. Runners have already raised a whopping R175 000. This means that thanks to you, 1 750 children can get a brand new pair of leather, South African made safety school shoes.

Bobs for Good has certainly hit the ground running this month. What with moving offices, expanding their shoe drops all over Southern Africa, filming videos and redesigning their website, it's a wonder that some of their intrepid staff are still finding time to train for the full marathon.

Ron Rutland, co-founder and managing director of Bobs for Good, has been taking his training very seriously. "I've run to work a few times, and I've been cross-training as I'm also taking part in the Cycle Tour soon. I try to keep my training consistent, especially as I know I'll be running alongside The STIK, who's going to set quite a pace!"

Web and IT manager Byron and beneficiaries manager Claire are stepping up to the challenge. Claire has also been cross training, as she is not only running, but also swimming the Robben Island Crossing, and riding the Argus. She has also been running to and from work, but her incentives aren't strictly marathon-related. "In the marathon, you are most likely to see me chatting up the STIK," laughs Claire. "I cannot wait to run with him. I bet he's just too handsome to actually walk around normally, that's why he has his helmet glued to his head."

Byron on the other hand, says he is most likely to be seen catching his breath near a drinks stand. "I'll definitely be the last to finish! Most likely I'll be stumbling or limping across the finish line with a few seconds to spare before final cut-off."

Despite Byron's misgivings, Lauren Peters, operations manager and self-appointed Bobs for Good cheerleader for the marathon, is full of team spirit. "I have the strongest team ever known – they are all super champions, some run marathons into work whereas I run to the phone and back – so they will all outshine me, and I'm just fine with that."

"All the donations, promotion and assistance has been really awesome, and it makes what we do and this impending challenge all worth it," says Byron.

Claire is similarly inspired by the incredible input from Two Oceans team. "I am super excited to be part of this amazing high profile sports event. We at Bobs for Good believe participation is what it's all about and what better way to raise funds and get ourselves 'out there' than to be involved with the world's most beautiful marathon?"

The Team is truly looking forward to seeing you all at the marathon. Look out for the Blue Socks, grab a pair for yourselves and help us to put South Africa's tiny feet into shoes. Even if you're already running the marathon, you can buy a pair of our PUMA-made Bobs for Good Blue Socks for R100.

For every pair of socks you buy, we donate a child in need a pair of shoes. It's simple: R100 = 1 pair of Blue Socks for you + 1 pair of Bobs for Good school shoes for them. Cinderella is proof that shoes can change your life. Help us change theirs.