Originally published in ecna.comVeteran athlete Zola Budd says she will dedicate her Comrades Marathon run to Pierre Korkie, who coached her in the late 1990s.
She will run the ultra-marathon on Sunday with a yellow ribbon to honour the former Bloemfontein teacher who has been held by Islamic militants in Yemen since they captured him and his wife, Yolande, a year ago.
Budd has invited other runners to join her in her tribute to Korkie. Her manager says she is not trying to make a political statement but rather a heartfelt gesture to remember her former coach.
The Korkie family has asked South Africans to fast and to continue praying for Pierre’s release. The Korkies were on a teaching assignment when they were captured. Yolande was released in January but militants are demanding millions in exchange for Pierre’s freedom.
There have been increasing concerns about Korkie’s ailing health and Yolande has made several public-pleas for her husband’s release. Government and NGO Gift of the Givers are still trying to negotiate his release.
I am also praying for his release together as well. Thank you and God bless.