Rudas András

Individual Half Marathon
31. Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon
2016.IX.11

I will be 70 years old this October. I have been married for 40 years. I have two adult children, and a 10-year-old grandchild. My running career is linked to the birth of my grandchild. If I wanted to joke I could say that my granddaughter Rebeka is responsible that running became my lifestyle, and my habit 8 years ago. When we were waiting for her to be born, I decided that I wanted to live a long and healthy life, so I could dance on her wedding. This is how I started running, starting from zero. In the beginning I was literally counting my steps, but then later I started to increase the distances. I needed almost 6 months to be able run around Margitsziget. The thought of competing in a race never crossed my mind, until one day in 2008 I was standing at the start line of the NIKE half-marathon. Since then I have been competing on a regular basis.
There are numerous opportunities to support charities as an athlete. I have chosen Magic Lamp based on two memories. I know that being sick, undergoing hospital treatments, and getting separated from mom and dad are very hard for children, and if we can help to make this experience easier for them, then it is very important for these kids and their families that we do so. I have two memories about this. When I was very young, I spent some time in the hospital to have my tonsils removed. My father, to be with me, also checked into the hospital, and also had his tonsils removed. My other memory is about my own son. He was about two, when he had to go to the hospital for a small operation, and this separation was a really awful experience for all of us.
Maybe that is why I feel that if Magic Lamp can ease the consequences of these situations, then it is a cause I am happy to support with all my heart.