Blistered and bruised but happy is what Niel Thiart (Bestmed Athletics Club) was this morning when after 48 hours he got to stop running around the TuksAthletics track.

He had just reason to feel it is mission accomplished. After all, he did run 239km in 48 hours. He did so for a good cause. The aim was to create awareness for autism as well as to raise funds for Els for Autism SA.

It could be argued that there are certainly easier ways to make a difference in people's lives. Thiart, however, is not one to go for the soft options. He loves a challenge, especially if it entails running and pushing the boundaries. 

And pushing the boundaries, he did. The Bestmed-athlete started running at 09:00 on Friday and only stopped at 09:00 today (SUNDAY). During the 48 hours, he barely slept 90 minutes. On Saturday after about running 150 kilometres, his left foot was so badly swollen that he needed a good massage. Afterwards, he had to hobble along shoeless for some time. 

The weather did not make things any easier. During the day, the sun sapped his energy. While at night, it felt like as if he was slowly being "frozen" on the TuksAthletics track. 

Still like the bunny in the Energiser advertisements, he kept going and going. What certainly helped him to stay motivated and focussed was true friendship. Quite a few friends braved the cold at nights to run along while entertaining Thiart with jokes and their philosophical wisdom. 

It is not the last time Thiart plans to push the boundaries. He is already contemplating a run from Pretoria to Durban or from Pretoria to Cape Town. He might even slog it out on the TuksAthletics track again for 48 hours.

"I am prepared to do anything if it means I can create awareness for autism. But my run was about more than that. All of us have particular talents. I believe it is essential to use one's skills for the betterment of society. I can only hope that my effort has inspired a few people."   

According to Thiart, what he found the most challenging during the 48 hours was running hour after hour on a track.

"I last ran on a track when I was 16, which are 33 years ago. What makes track running challenging is that there is never any respite. When on the road you get a slight breather when going downhill. On the track, the same muscles get to work for every step of the way."

The well-known sports psychologist, Henning Gericke, who was instrumental in helping the Springboks win the World Cup in 2007, also took some time off to run with Thiart. He admitted afterwards being inspired by the Bestmed-athlete courage and determination.

"I don't think many realise what an achievement it is to run 48 hours nonstop."

The deputy director Professional Services TuksSport, Lydia Monyepao, praised Bestmed for its efforts to create awareness for autism, especially as there is still a lot of misconception as to what it entails.

"From a TuksSport perspective, it has been an honour to support Niel Thiart in his quest. During the past 48 hours, he proved what guts and determination are about."

Thiart has no plans to slow down. Tomorrow he will be at work in Menlyn talking to anyone interested in the good qualities of Audi cars.