Completing three major endurance events in a single day might sound like a feat only the most daring would attempt – yet around 150 people recently rose to the challenge, with about 60 taking on the full solo version of the event.Among them was Cape Town local and Chair of the Mensch Board, Jonathan Henning, alongside several others from the Jewish community, including Shaun Reznik, Marc Davidowitz, and Greg Sher. They all participated in the Calling Cape Town Extreme Challenge on Sunday, 9 March.
The Challenge demanded an extraordinary physical effort: a 7.5km ocean swim (crossing from Robben Island, weather permitting), the full 109km Cape Town Cycle Tour, and the 50km Three Peaks Running Challenge – tackling Devil’s Peak, Table Mountain, and Lion’s Head – all to be completed within 24 hours.
The day began in darkness at 5am with the swim and, for many, it ended nearly 24 hours later – with some athletes only finishing after 4 the following morning. It was a true test of endurance, but the sense of purpose behind it made every moment worth it.
The event was held in support of Calling Education, a non-profit organisation committed to developing South Africa’s most relevant model for delivering top-quality education to learners from low-income communities. Their flagship project, Calling Academy – launched in 2018 outside Stellenbosch – has since inspired the opening of a co-educational school in Kroonstad in 2022, and another school in Paarl.
In addition to operating schools, Calling Education is also focused on thought leadership in the field of low-fee education, aiming to raise the standard and increase access across South Africa.
Initiatives like theCalling Cape Town Extreme Challenge help generate vital support for this mission – grounded in the belief that no child’s future should be limited by financial circumstance. Quality education, they believe, can unlock potential and transform lives. ●
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