Tienie Maree from Brackenfell is tackling the Munga Grit Tankwa Challenge once again in support of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
Also read: A Cape Town local takes on the toughest race to support SPCA
The ultra-marathon mountain biking event is known as the toughest race on earth, spanning 1 100km across the Karoo. ‘Last year I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect, this year I am nervous because I do know what to expect,’ Maree told Tygerburger before he left to join the race.
The Munga Grit Tankwa route heads in a northeast direction up into the Tankwa Karoo, passing Sutherland before swinging around south and west, back into the Tankwa, and finishing at Kaleo Guest Farm above the Ceres Valley.
The race warns participants that it is a gruelling endeavour, stating that medical support on the route between the race villages might not be available. If a participant gets bitten by a snake or has a heart attack between race villages, it is possible to die.
‘It is physically, emotionally and spiritually hard. It is you against the race, but I am prepared to suffer a bit for the animals who will benefit from this initiative,’ says Maree.
‘Life on the streets for an animal means hunger, exposure to the elements, a high risk of abuse and no help if they become sick or injured. This race won’t be easy, but I’m prepared to suffer so that animals don’t have to.’
Last year, he finished the race in 117 hours and raised R51 000 for the SPCA. He rested, ate and slept for 54 of those 117 hours.
‘My body took a helluva knock. My hands and behind was raw from the non-stop riding, but it was so worth it. It was in the end a great experience.’
Here is his latest update:
View this post on Instagram
As per News24, Maree was not planning to participate again this year until the SPCA approached him. ‘I want to improve my time this year and will also be sharing my experience on Instagram @Makatienie.’
SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham says the organisation is facing its most difficult challenge yet. ‘In the last financial year, we experienced a 27% increase in surrendered animal admissions and all indications are that this year will be worse than ever. It’s really tough.’
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She says 41% of the more than 2 500 animals that receive care each month were previously pets.
‘The SPCA’s animal care facility is being placed under severe pressure by the more than 1 000 unwanted animals being surrendered into their care every month. The SPCA never turns any animal away. We’ve seen first-hand what happens to animals when shelters who are at capacity turn them away.’
‘The SPCA doesn’t charge people who are giving up their pets a fee to hand them in. It’s one of the many services provided by the organisation to prevent animal cruelty. We can’t allow animals to pay the price when pet owners are unable to make a financial contribution.’
Abraham adds that all animals taken in by the SPCA must be quarantined, health checked, behaviourally assessed, fed, vaccinated, exercised, groomed, de-fleaed, dewormed and seen by a vet.
‘Kennels must be cleaned and disinfected, litterboxes emptied, cleaned and refilled, blankets and bowls must be washed and sanitised, but most importantly, little heads must be rubbed, fears must be soothed, and little hearts must be mended.’
According to estimates, this service will cost the SPCA R4.6 million this year. ‘We’re thankful to Tienie for challenging himself in a way that highlights both the crisis we currently find ourselves facing and the suffering of animals that will result if we don’t meet it.’
‘Tienie is taking on this incredibly tough challenge, so we can take on ours. For 120 hours, he’ll be far from home and its comforts, he’ll be exposed to the elements, face uncertain terrain and at times we’re sure he’ll feel quite alone. There is a profound connection between this and the daily plight of an animal living on the streets. We think he’s a hero.’
To support Tienie’s challenge, visit capespca.co.za
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Picture: @makatienie / Instagram