Saving hearts by running the Cape Odyssey

The two highly experienced runners aim to raise awareness around healthy eating, regular cholesterol testing and the benefits of exercise to ensure a healthy heart. This incredible feat will also raise much-needed funds for the Foundation's Sow-a-Seed Programme, which assists the crèches on the children's programme in establishing vegetable gardens and empowering the poorer communities to sustain themselves.

For further information on The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA visit www.heartfoundation.co.za.

Abrahams suffered a heart attack in February 2005 and after undergoing major surgery, ended up running an ultra-marathon just three weeks later. He then went on to run all the major ultra marathons around the country, including Comrades, the Washie and the Hewat 100 km.

Last year Yusuf and his fellow club runners raised over R20 000 for the children's programme, after running the Two Oceans Marathon back-to-back, and hopes to raise even more funds through the Cape Odyssey.

"After undergoing the heart surgery and been given a second chance at life, I've decided to make every second count by doing what I enjoy and at the same time raise funds for the Foundation's children's programme, which aims at reducing heart disease in children," says Abrahams.

"Miné and I have undergone a arduous training programme and we are looking forward to running this unique African race."

The Cape Odyssey is a two-person team trial running stage race taking, starting on October 16 at Hermanus and finisining on the 20 October at Lanzerac Wine Estate in Somerset West, covering 220km over 5 days.

For further information visit www.cape-odyssey.co.za or www.heartfoundation.co.za.