Meet Rehan Greeff CA(SA) and 2022 Top 35-under-35 finalist, a remarkable individual who has combined his passion for running with a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. As the founder of ‘Run Forest Run’, a running community dedicated to raising funds for the less fortunate, Rehan has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to philanthropy.
Since miraculously recovering from debilitating knee injuries in 2017, Rehan has continually challenged himself to support causes close to his heart. Over the years, his efforts have helped raise an impressive £102,000 (over R2.2 million) for ‘ForAfrika’, Africa’s largest indigenous non-governmental organization devoted to providing meals for school children and fostering a thriving Africa.
In his most ambitious endeavour yet, Rehan embarked on a breath-taking journey from the 23rd June to the 30th June 2023. His mission? To set a new record for the United Kingdom’s National Three Peaks Challenge while raising funds for both ‘ForAfrika’ and ‘It’s okay not to be okay’, a UK mental health and awareness charity.
The challenge involved conquering Scotland’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, England’s towering Scafell Pike, and Wales’ majestic Snowdon – all on foot – (including the 700km in-between), within an astounding eight days and 12 hours. Alongside his dedicated Run Forest Run crew, Rehan covered nearly 100km each day, pushing himself beyond his limits to achieve his goal.
However, the journey was not without its trials. Adverse weather conditions and shin pain (that turned out to be a stress fracture), posed challenges, but Rehan persevered with unwavering determination. Embracing a 24-hour activity approach over the final 2.5 days, a strategy with short sleep stints in the car allowed him to keep pushing forward, inching closer to the finish line with every step.
Finally, on 30 June 2023, after a gruelling ascent up Mount Snowdon with his wife, Dr Liesl-Barbara Greeff, their daughters met him at the base of the mountain, providing the much-needed support to reach the summit. He crossed the finish line at Llanberis Mountain Railway station, completing the 700km route in an awe-inspiring time of 7 days, 11 hours, and 35 minutes. His achievement was validated and recognized as the new course record by Fastest Known Time.
Beyond his extraordinary feats in the realm of running, Rehan is a manager in the London EY office, where he contributes his expertise to facilitate change management projects for some of the largest multinational corporations within the financial services industry.
Rehan Greeff CA(SA) exemplifies the power of combining passion, perseverance and purpose to effect positive change. His dedication to philanthropy and commitment to making a difference serve as an inspiration to us all.
If you wish to support Rehan’s charitable endeavours, you can still donate to ‘Run Forest Run’ by visiting www.runforestrun.run.
