Those taking part in this year’s UCT Surgical Society Scrub Run will be showing solidarity with health-care workers and raising money for the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital’s emergency centre.
Organised by medical students, the run was founded in 2018. This year’s event has 5km and 10km runs, taking place virtually because of Covid-19 restrictions. It also forms part of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, on Saturday October 16.
“The Scrub Run presents an easy and fun way for everyone to make a positive difference in the lives of South Africa’s paediatric population,” said UCT Surgical Society member and third-year medical student Buhle Dube.
The organisers will be releasing an app for participants to log their runs.
The runners will wear full medical scrubs in recognition of the daily challenges faced by health-care workers.
“ We… hope to show our appreciation to all health-care workers who have continued to provide exceptional care to their patients despite the challenges brought about by Covid-19,” Ms Dube said.
Alexandra Moors, a third-year medical student who will be taking part in the run, said the event held a special place in her heart.
“It’s an incredible way to meet new people, get some exercise and make our country a better place,” she said. “I have participated in the Scrub Run once before, but I have donated every year and will definitely be donating this year too.”
Wearing the scrubs, even for the virtual event, was about showing solidarity with those the run was helping, she said.
“An important message I hope that comes across, is that we all share one goal, and that is to help those less fortunate, particularly the young children who are at Red Cross Children’s hospital. Upgrading the emergency centre will allow the staff to be equipped with what they need to continue saving the lives of children all around our country.”
Anyone can take part in the run. Email uctscrubrun@gmail.com for more information on how you can participate and donate.
