Keith Boyd, South Africa’s determined Rainbow Runner who set off from Cape Town to Cairo on foot earlier this year, has reached his 3,700km mark, putting him in line to break a world record! However, Keith’s journey is about so much more than breaking records:
Africa (26 October 2023) — Earlier this year, Keith Boyd (AKA, ‘Rainbow Runner’) began putting one foot in front of the other to inspire more active citizenship in South Africa. Determined to trek from the tip of Africa all the way to Cairo, Keith’s endurance and legs of steel have already brought him to a significant milestone.
The Rainbow Runner’s 11,000-kilometre journey has already reached its 3,700km mark. This means he is well-positioned to reach Cairo in less than his anticipated time!
Initially, Keith aimed to reach Egypt’s gem in 280 days (the current world record is 318 days), but if he keeps pace, he will likely get there in just 260 days.
The Rainbow Runner’s ‘Why’
In South Africa, voter apathy is all too apparent. But, the Rainbow Runner hopes his quest will inspire South Africans (especially the youth) to shift their mindsets from ‘why should I vote’ to ‘how can I not’.
Together with his NPO Rainbow Leaders, the big finish line beyond Cairo is increased voter participation. This is not in affiliation with any political party, but rather the drive for public agency.
As Wendy Matthee of Rainbow Leaders shares:
“Keith’s dedication to this cause speaks volumes. He believes that youth voting is the key to mitigating unemployment, poverty, and inequality in South Africa.
“By encouraging responsible leadership through youth engagement, he hopes to create a brighter future for his nation.”
And, every step he takes also raises funds for the Rainbow Leaders Vote Education Programme; an initiative aimed at empowering South Africa’s youth through civic education to build the foundations of active citizenship.
Beyond incredible purpose, Keith has also experienced other great opportunities en route.
One of them saw him spend time with Antoinette Sithole, the older sister of Hector Pieterson, who presently serves as an inspirational speaker and moral leader within her community.
He has also met with various schools and orphanages to spread his message as he continues to walk the walk (even with a problematic right knee and left ankle).
Of these physical stress factors, the Rainbow Runner has adapted with the help of his team by changing shoes throughout the day so he can beat on and continue to make South Africa enormously proud.
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