Eva is not just doing this for the miles — she’s doing it to make a difference and raise money for a charity she believes in.

In 2020, someone very close to Eva was told they had a F4 liver reading and was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. At the time, they believed the cirrhosis was irreversible and that lifestyle changes could only slow its progression, with a liver transplant being the only long-term treatment option.

Eva volunteered as a living donor. She knew she would need to be as healthy as possible to ensure she would be ready to donate a portion of her own liver to save someone she loves. She started by going to the gym, and then by joining a community of people that supported her and encouraged her to keep going. She eventually found running, and dedicated every run to the person that meant so much to her.

Five years later, they learned there had been a misdiagnosis, and her loved one's liver had returned to an F0 reading. The doctors were amazed. While Eva was incredibly relieved by the news, the experience forever changed her. It taught her the importance of hope, love, and the impact of organ donation.

That experience inspired her to continue raising awareness about organ donation so that others facing similar journeys know they are not alone.

As a nurse practitioner, Temilola has seen firsthand how organ donation can completely change someone’s life. It’s one of the greatest gifts a person can give, and she wants to use this opportunity to help educate others, encourage more people to register as donors, and support individuals and families waiting for a second chance.

Running has taught her that every finish line is bigger than yourself, and she loves combining her passion for running with a cause that can save lives. If she can inspire even one more person to become an organ donor while raising funds for this mission, then every mile will be worth it.

After much prayer and thoughtful consideration, John decided to run for the Chris Klug Foundation (CKF) in honor of his mom. She was diagnosed with Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy and underwent two corneal transplants. Unfortunately, the first transplant was unsuccessful, requiring a second procedure.

Watching his mom go through this journey gave John a firsthand appreciation for the incredible gift of organ, eye, and tissue donation and the life-changing impact it can have on individuals and their families.

John is honored to support CKF and its mission to inspire people to become organ, eye, and tissue donors, helping save and transform lives through the gift of transplantation.

John is grateful to everyone who has encouraged and supported him along the way. He looks forward to sharing this journey with others and hopes they will join him in supporting this important cause.

The opportunity to run the Cape Town Marathon while fundraising for the Chris Klug Foundation combines two causes that are meaningful to Justin: endurance sports and increasing access to lifesaving organ transplants.

Marathon training is a reminder of the things our bodies can do when given the opportunity. Justin is grateful for the opportunity to help an organization that enables others to get the chance to do whatever they put their minds to.

Bernard’s son was born with congenital heart disease in 2017. In just his first 2 years of life, he had 3 open heart surgeries, and now at the age of 9 has been on the waitlist for a heart transplant for over 4 years.

Bernard is taking on the Cape Town Marathon in honor of his son’s journey, and to support an organization that raises awareness for organ, eye, and tissue donation and supports those in the transplant community.

Ricardo loves the story of the organization. He grew up as an athlete, and therefore Chris’ journey resonates strongly with him. He also believes in the mission to raise awareness to support individuals achieving what previously seemed impossible.

Ricardo realizes how lucky he is to be able to set goals and go after them—like running a marathon. Unfortunately, many people face severe health challenges that hold them back from fulfilling their dreams, leaving them living on the edge as they wait for an organ transplant.

Every year, Ricardo sets himself a goal to raise money for a charity. This year, he is melding his passion for running with his passion to give back to society.

Ricardo recently completed the Sydney Marathon, and it was one of the biggest achievements of his life. In fact, that day was truly one of the happiest days he’s ever had. It wasn’t just about finishing the race itself; it was knowing he had the support of his friends and family. And that they were all contributing to a bigger cause—making it even more special.