Ross ‘The Rooster’ Dold is going all out to break a Guinness World record – by running the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in a chicken costume.
Not only is the animal-loving civil engineer taking on the race to raise funds for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s Mobile Clinics, but the organisation’s mobile clinic operators themselves will be running in the Sanlam Peace Run to raise funds for their work.
Ross the Rooster was also recently ‘treated’ by the clinics for a minor injury and declared fit to race – the plucky bird being only one of nearly 17 500 animals attended to by the mobile clinics over the past year.
“Ross is also generously sharing his sponsors’ prizes with people who support his efforts by donating,” said Natasha Johannes, Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
“This means that anyone who helps Ross achieve his fundraising goal could win a fabulous prize – including luxury accommodation – just by doing good.”
The official Guinness World Record that Ross is aiming to break on 16 October is ‘Fastest Marathon Dressed as a Bird.’
With his custom-made costume weighing in at 4.6kgs, Dold is clearly not chicken to tackle the 42.2km race in aid of animals. Asked why he chose to support the SPCA’s mobile clinics, Dold praised the unit’s work in underprivileged communities.
“They do amazing work for domestic animals and wildlife, and are a team close to my heart,” he said.
Ross Dold is an animal lover on a mission! No ordinary runner, he has decided he will be attempting to break a Guinness World record while running in a chicken costume in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
In a letter to his supporters, Ross says:
Good morning
I am emotionally overwhelmed to report that this BCC mailing list includes 60 recipients.
With thanks to every one of you, my fundraising target of R25 000 became R35 000 and settled on R45 000, with the current total at R47 000 – and a few final pledges to come!
It’s been a wild few months of haggling with Guinness, compiling initial evidence, securing the suit (good ol’ Raymond), modifying and personalising him, and then figuring out if this will all be possible or not.
But, after our 25km run in Sea Point (with a slight breeze!), I think I’ve got this.
The Rooster Raffle draw will be done on the evening of Friday 14 October, before race day.
Remember – you’re already in the mix!
The three winners will have a little “head-to-head” to determine who gets which prize.
From myself and the SPCA, because I know how grateful they are too – THANK YOU!
Your support (and patience with my campaigns) means more than you know!
Cheers
Ross
UPDATE!
Ross has raised R50 042.20 exceeding his original target of R25 000
The SPCA is encouraging runners who already have entries to run for Team SPCA – not necessarily dressed as chickens. For more information, contact awareness@spca-ct.co.za or Natasha on 021 700 4155.
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I am aiming to break an existing Official Guinness World Record at the Cape Town Marathon on 16 October