Paying it forward, one stride at a time

My name is Prof Schalk Grobbelaar, and I am an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT (EBIT) at the University of Pretoria (UP).

I started running in 2014, with one goal in mind: to complete the Comrades Marathon. In 2016, I achieved that goal, but what started as a once-off challenge soon became a lifelong passion.

Since then, running has become part of who I am. I have completed multiple road races, trail marathons, ultramarathons and endurance events. Running gives me the opportunity to unwind, explore new places, embrace adventure, and connect with incredible people along the way.

This year, I am running for something far greater than a personal milestone.

I am proud to support an important fundraising initiative, Degrees Delivered, which aims to help UP graduates who were unable to access their degree certificates because of outstanding historical student debt. By supporting my...