The chances are good that few, if any, students at the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) have ever read Richard Bach's Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

Admittedly, it’s a challenging read. The essence of the book can be summed up by saying that our lives are not limited by societal norms, and we can break free from these constraints to pursue our passions and dreams.

That’s precisely what 21-year-old Tuks computer engineering student, Richard Schnitter, did. Last month, he finished second in the MacMac 200-miler—a gruelling 322km race. Over four days of running, he slept only three hours and took two brief 15-minute naps. His total running time was an impressive 84 hours, 29 minutes, and 26 seconds.

But this is just part of the story. Eight weeks prior, Schnitter completed the Ultra Trail Drakensberg 100-miler (160km), placing 16th with a time of 34 hours, 16 minutes, and 18 seconds.

Any experienced runner will attest that completing a marathon is no easy feat. The Comrades Marathon, renowned for its physical and mental demands, pushes many to their limits. Now, imagine running a 100-miler—nearly twice the distance of the Comrades. Then consider running a 200-miler, which is like completing four consecutive Comrades races. And to make things even tougher, Schnitter’s races are trail runs, often at high altitudes, on narrow single-track paths, and with natural obstacles that test both body and mind.

Why take on such a challenge? For Schnitter, it's all about adventure. As a child, he dreamt of scaling the highest mountains or accomplishing feats few would dare attempt. Now, he’s living that dream.

Two years ago, a friend suggested that they should do the Ultra Trail Drakensberg 65km race. They did and enjoyed it. That was it. Immediately, there was talk of the 100-miller race next. That is what Jonathan Livingstone Seagull is about. Doing something worthwhile and unforgettable. 

Unfortunately, Schnitter's friend picked up a back injury and could not run. He, however, did run the 100 Miler last year. So, a new challenge had to be found. Schnitter decided it would be the 200 Miler. 

The Tuks student has interesting stories about how he prepared for the race. One day, he and his friends went to the University of Pretoria's Humanities Building. 

"I do a lot of hill work during training. It means running up and down a steep incline. Sometimes 20 to 30 times. It is not only good physical training to do so, but it also makes you mentally stronger. 

"So this one time, I decided why not change things a bit to make my training more interesting. So, I thought, what is the highest building I know of with a lift? The Humanities Building sprang to mind. So a few friends and I went there to train. We ran up the stairs to the top and came down with the lift. I did it 16 times.

"As part of my mental preparation, I watched many videos on 100-milers. It helps to understand what you are letting yourself in for. The clips of these ultra races make it clear that you will suffer when running. So, my racing mindset is to expect the worst, only to be surprised that it is not as bad as I had expected.

"OK,  I must admit, in the 200 Miler, I had to push myself far beyond my limits. I don't know whether I would have made it if it was not for my faith in God. 

"The T20 World Cup Tournament final between the Proteas and India immensely helped me on the last day. I watched it on my phone while running, and it was a nice distraction. Then I lost the signal and could watch again with 20 balls left in the game."

Schnitter is not sure, but according to fellow runners, he could be one of the youngest ever in the world to have finished a 200-mile Trail Run.

"It has been said to me that I might be the youngest South African to have done so, but it is hard to verify," said the 21-year-old.

For now, however, Schnitter is taking a break from running. 

My body might have had enough of running for a bit. So, I have taken up playing Ultimate Frisbee. The challenge is to see if I am good enough to be selected for the South African under-24 side that will compete at the World Cup. To do so, I need to get my sprint muscles working."