Andrew O'Brien is running the Cape Town Marathon on May 24th — his first marathon since nearly losing his leg in 2018 — and he's turned it into a fundraiser for Congolese refugees through the UNHCR. The Personal Journey 🦵 After getting medical clearance in 2023, Andrew challenged himself to not just finish a marathon, but break the sub-4-hour mark (currently on pace for 3:30–3:45). The Cape Town race appealed to him partly because it's on the verge of becoming a World Major Marathon. The "Why" Behind the Fundraiser ❤️ A 2024 visit to a refugee camp in Goma, DRC changed him completely — particularly the image of a boy with a worn-out soccer ball. When war overtook Goma in January 2025, Andrew deepened his commitment. He negotiated with the UNHCR to direct 100% of donations specifically to Congolese refugees in Burundi. The Numbers 💰 Original goal: $3,000 → already surpassed at $4,400+ New goal: $5,000 The Drag Queen Twist 👑 Hit $3,000? Andrew promised to run Central Park dressed as Dolly Parton — happening around April 26th. Sneakers only, no heels! The Bigger Message 💪 Fundraising, recovery, and marathon training all demand the same thing: mental strength, vulnerability, and showing up anyway.
In 2018, Andrew O’Brien nearly lost his leg — and with it, the belief that his body could ever carry him the way it once had. Today, he’s running 26.2 miles in Cape Town on May 24th to raise money for Congolese refugees through UNHCR, fueled by a love for Africa that was born during his first visit to Cape Town in 2019, was deepened in the internally displaced camps of Goma in the DRC in 2024, and cemented in the refugee camps of Burundi in 2025. This is a comeback story, a mission, and a whole lot of heart — and we’re so glad he’s back on the show to share it. 🌍🎙️
Link to the fundraiser: https://unrefugees-sanlam-capetown2026.funraise.org/fundraiser/andrew-obrien
Listen to the first episode to get to know Andrew's passions:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/andrew-obrien-the-mindblowing-coach-ep-496/id1483227257?i=1000720545924