Most are finding it hard to temporarily withdraw from the sport they are passionate about. Some are coming up with innovative ways and use the little space they have to run.

Others opt to do different exercises to keep in shape without violating the lockdown regulations.

The 36-year-old Morné Green has been a runner since his schooling days. The lockdown has also deeply affected him. However, recently, he managed to complete a grueling 45 kilometres ultra-marathon on the 13-metre balcony of his house.

Green clocked 49 902 steps in less than 6 hours during this grueling ultra-marathon. According to Green, it was more strenuous compared to road running. He says his body is still yet to recover. His knees and back took a heavy pounding.

“Your TV is next to you. While running on the road is not easy you get motivated by the other runners, but here is nothing, your couch is next to you, that's what is the hardest. It's tough and running up and down in the same stretch, it starts playing with your mind,” explains Green.

Green says he was inspired by a French man who completed 42 kilometres in his backyard. Green is now challenging other runners, through the Community Can Challenge, to do the same and donate cans of food items for the homeless.

He feels it is one of the ways where everyone can lend a helping hand during this difficult time.

“When you buy a can we motivate you to basically, take a selfie with the can and slip and post on the Community Challenge Can Step that basically counts as a step of the 49 902 steps, so we wanna see if we can collect 49 902 and we will sponsor these cans on a daily basis,” says Green.

According to Green, people can place their cans of food items at Spar Crossing and the Grove shopping Centre in Mbombela. He can also be reached on the Community Can Challenge Facebook page.

SABC