Written by: Lourieke Haller
Article Source: JOY! Magazine
Francois Janse van Rensburg’s unstoppable spirit of adventure & love for his fellow man
“I challenge each of you: Find your mountain to climb, your finish line to cross. Whether it’s running a marathon, starting a new fitness programme, or simply striving to live a healthier lifestyle, know that the only limits that exist are the ones you impose on yourself.”
Francois Janse van Rensburg recently embarked on an epic walk in aid of charity. This is indicative of his love for adventure and his fellow man.
Appetite for challenges
Francois, born in Riversdale in the Southwestern Cape in 1963, exhibited an irrepressible spirit from a young age. He had an insatiable appetite for challenges as evidenced in the many exploits he achieved in his life.
This penchant for a challenge was demonstrated, for example, when, as a 9-year-old, he responded to the reverend’s challenge by memorising all the names of the books of the Bible in one night. The next morning he fluently recited them to make the prize of the giant slab of chocolate his own. This early display of determination laid the foundation for his future endeavours.
The greater the test of his powers, the better
Throughout his youth, Francois continued to take on challenges with gusto. In grade 10, he embarked on a solo walk from Swellendam to Riversdale and covered the 80 km to raise funds for his school – an achievement that earned him a sponsorship of R8000. As a 16-year-old, he completed his first marathon (42,2 km), followed by the Two Oceans Ultramarathon (56 km) in grade 12. Even during his national service, Francois pursued his great love for long-distance races and completed his first Comrades (90 km).
Dedication to fitness and adventure
His commitment to fitness and adventure remained steadfast even after he qualified as an environmental health officer and started his career. For example, he took part in the gruelling Washie race (161 km) in the Eastern Cape and continued to excel in endurance sports.
Kilimanjaro and gorillas in Uganda: a lifelong dream realised
In 2012, Francois decided to retire from competitive racing, but his thirst for adventure remained. He celebrated his 50th birthday in Tanzania on Kilimanjaro and followed it up with an arduous three-day cross-country race in the Drakensberg.
The diagnosis of a heart condition did not deter Francois either. He continued to test the limits of his physical abilities and undertook the Cape Town Cycle Tour as well as an expedition to follow in the footsteps of gorillas in Uganda with his wife, Mariana.
900 km for fundraising
With his retirement in Strand, Cape Town, Francois once again took on a worthy challenge by joining forces with pastor Jo Swart, the chairman of the Somerset West Night and Family Shelter. He embarked on a solo walk of more than 900 km from Strand to Gqeberha to raise funds for the night shelter.
Quick facts: During the first 18 days of his 19-day hike, Francois consumed 57 litres of water and 22 litres of Restorade. He ate 27 bananas, 72 racefood bars, and 41 marshmallow Easter eggs and used up three aerosol Ice Spray cans.
Francois’ challenge to you
Francois documented his experiences in a running diary and shared insights about the trials and triumphs of his journey. “As I stand on the verge of completing this monumental challenge, I cannot help but marvel at the journey that has brought me here,” he wrote. “I am nobody special; nor do I possess any extraordinary talents. I do have an unyielding determination, a stubborn refusal to back down in the face of adversity … I challenge each of you: Find your mountain to climb, your finish line to cross. Whether it’s running a marathon, starting a new fitness programme, or simply striving to live a healthier lifestyle, know that the only limits that exist are the ones you impose on yourself.”
Join hands with the night shelter
The Somerset West Night and Family Shelter is the first and only family shelter in the Western Cape and can offer a safe haven to families who are homeless. The shelter can house up to 30 families at a time.
Click here if you also want to make a contribution to support this deserving night and family shelter.
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Date published: 12/08/2024
Feature image: “I am in awe of this man’s heart and his story, one that I can learn from and use to grow!” – Jo Swart. From left to right: Jo Swart, Francois, and his wife, Mariana.
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