A while ago we took a look at David Grier and Braam Malherbe, the Cipla Spar Miles for Smiles runners that are running around the coastline of Southern Africa in order to raise R3.5 Million rand to help give the gift of a smile to children with cleft / palate disorders. The two runners are making international athletics history, having now added the circumnavigation of South Africas 3 000+ km coastline to their 2006 record of running 4 218km along the Great Wall of China.

They will be finishing their run next week in the Mozambican resort town of Ponta do Ouro. “I’ve lost a number of toenails and have some horrendous blisters,” Braam admitted, “but we’re pushing ahead strongly and are hugely excited to be entering our third world heritage site, having already run through the Cape Floral Kingdom and around Robben Island on Madiba’s 90th birthday.”

“It is privilege to be enjoying the entire coastline of South Africa and so many little-known natural wonders,” David said. “It reinforces our belief in our country and in the character of the people we’re meeting along the way. There’s no better place on Earth!”

David and Braam’s daily progress can be charted on the Operation Smile SA website where online donations can also be made. Visit www.milesforsmiles.co.za and www.toyota.co.za where you can click on Miles for Smiles.