
GOBI DESERT
- By: Johan Van der Walt
- Short URL: https://archive.backabuddy.co.za/gobi-desert
- Date Created: 9 April 2020
Personal message
You are going to do what? That is usually the first response when I tell someone that I plan to run through 4 deserts. Being based in Hong Kong it makes perfect sense to start this adventure right here in China in the most fascinating of them all – the Gobi!
With their wide, open spaces and extreme climate they represent brutal honesty, impersonal struggle and the harsh realities of survival. Accordingly, the desert can be a source of wisdom and enlightenment, of trial but also of reward. On 26 June 2011, I intend to set out on what is probably the toughest physical and mental challenge I’ve ever had to face – 7 day self supported footrace through the 250km of the Gobi Desert.
To make my challenge even more rewarding, I am proud and excited to associate my endeavor across the Gobi with MaAfrika Tikkun. MaAfrika Tikkun is an NGO that provides education, health and social services for children, youth and their families in South African Townships. The development work they do is amazing and they are making a DAILY difference in the lives over 6000 kids – you can too. support my challenge WITH A FEW $ PER KM and do good!
Donations
- Aug 02, 2011 - R 12 500.00
- "WOW Johan! I AM REALLY PROUD OF YOU! Your determination and assistance for the kids of MAT is inspirational. The kind of light you shine is exactly what this world needs right now! Well Done! R”" - GRIFFIN
- Jul 06, 2011 - R 200.00
- "Proud of you Johan!!! :)" - imjoyce
- Jun 28, 2011 - R 500.00
- "Go for it Tiger!" - Izak Petersen
- Jun 24, 2011 - R 690.00
- "Good luck this week, Johan. Enjoy the journey." - Jim Eddy
- Jun 21, 2011 - R 2 000.00
- "Great effort, Johan. Remember the hills of Hong Kong when you're running the flats! Might help... Good luck!!" - Milena and Florian
- Jun 21, 2011 - R 17 000.00
- "We are very proud to be involved in this charity project. Wish you all the best with your journey! " - Cushman & Wakefield, Indonesia
- Jun 20, 2011 - R 1 000.00
- "Watch some Bear Grills DVDs before the race, he has some good desert survival tricks. Also remember to drink lots of fluids. We’re holding thumbs! Tiger blood! Winning!" - Gerhard Oosthuizen
- Jun 18, 2011 - R 500.00
- "Good luck mate, massive effort. See you in London in Sep" - Daryl
- Jun 17, 2011 - R 675.00
- "Good Luck Johan! I wish I could come watch....need to start training to join you on the next one! Looking forward to following the results online. See you soon my friend!" - Cale Miller
- Jun 14, 2011 - R 200.00
- "Great sport begins at a point where it has ceased to be healthy - Bertolt Brecht" - MG
- Jun 14, 2011 - R 500.00
- "Jo, what you're doing is amazing, the world needs more people like you! Be safe, take care and the best of luck!! Phil.3.13-14" - Jennie
- Jun 08, 2011 - R 200.00
- "good luck Johan!!!" - Claire Bear
- Jun 01, 2011 - R 1 000.00
- "June 26 is a great day - it's my birthday haha!! Very proud of you! " - Amy
- May 26, 2011 - R 500.00
- "Really a great project Johan!!" - Juliette
- May 26, 2011 - R 500.00
- "After our runs round the Vondelpark this should be easy.... All the best mate, great effort." - Matt Pardo
- May 23, 2011 - R 16 750.00
- "Haworth is happy to sponsor people with maybe not the head but at least the heart in the right place..run baby run!!" - Haworth
- May 11, 2011 - R 500.00
- "Johan, we know you can do it. Its a great challenge. Go for it! " - Johan vd Walt (snr)
- May 11, 2011 - R 10.00
- "GO-FOR-IT JOHAN! We have a pledge from a fellow adventurer, Rui Nobre of Griffin for R50/km or R12500.00 whichever is greater, when u finish the Gobi. MaAfrika kids salute you." - GRIFFIN
- May 10, 2011 - R 6 500.00
- "You can do it "Those who honour me I will honour." 1 Samuel 2:30" - A.T.
- May 04, 2011 - R 1 700.00
- "Your are mad but my hero! Foot massage on my afterwards and hope to make it back to the office in one piece :) " - MLau
- May 03, 2011 - R 1 500.00
- "See you at the finish line love. So proud! xxx" - KC
- May 02, 2011 - R 200.00
- "Go JVW - very impressive!" - Kari
- May 02, 2011 - R 1 500.00
- ""That boy sure is a runnin' fool!" - Forrest Gump We wish you the best!" - CDnA
- May 02, 2011 - R 500.00
- "good luck johan " - David Atlas
Statistics
Afrika Tikkun

Afrika Tikkun (AT) was founded in 1994 with the goal of developing and uplifting young people in disadvantaged communities resident in the Republic of South Africa. With like-minded partners, Afrika Tikkun aims to end child poverty and youth unemployment through a holistic approach that begins in early childhood and ends with productive adults accessing the economy. Our approach provides all-inclusive care (nutrition, health and social) services and helps SA’s youth achieve success with a model called Cradle-to-Career 360°, which has earned Afrika Tikkun recognition for being one of the most impactful organisations in South Africa. We operate from four centres in Gauteng and one in Cape Town.
To set up your own fundraising page for Afrika Tikkun click here