Everyone said it couldn't be done; even internationally renowned sports scientists such as Dr Tim Noakes. Certainly no-one had done it before, though many had tried: to run the Great Wall of China, end to end, non-stop.

The journey would start in the Gobi Desert, cross the jagged Taihang Shan range, and end at the Bo Sea. It would involve blood boiling heat and mummifying sandstorms, soul-numbing mountain nights, incidents with bandits and draconian officials, pig's-head soup and witnessing large-scale environmental devastation. But no-one had counted on the tenacity of South African nature-lover Braam Malherbe.

In running the main intact section of the Great Wall, 4 500 kilometres end to end, Braam and his running partner David Grier set a world first. But Braam would have to call on reserves far deeper - physically and emotionally - than even he realised he had. China was never going to let him off lightly; then again, it would not leave a worthy traveller unmoved or unchanged. What began as a running-away, from long-buried childhood trauma, family suffering and loss, as well as hurt felt for the state of the planet, would eventually become a journey towards inner peace and understanding. The book concludes with the writer running into a new vision of healing the planet, step by small step, one person at a time.

CAPE TOWN-
DATE: Tuesday, 25th May 2010
TIME: 19h30
VENUE: CAPESTORM, Wynberg Store
Cash bar and light snacks available
Seating is limited so please RSVP to info@capestorm.co.za or for further enquiries call (021) 761 2021

GAUTENG-
DATE: Tuesday, 1st June 2010
TIME: 19h00
VENUE: CAPESTORM, Bryanston Store
Seating is limited so please RSVP to bryanston@capestorm.co.za or for further enquiries call (011) 463 4909