A RUN ACROSS NEW ZEALAND
I plan to run across New Zealand as fast as I can.
Te Araroa is one of the world’s most diverse and challenging trails.
I’ll cover over 3,000km across New Zealand’s mighty tectonic plates ‘the rim of fire’. The journey is vast, scary and like no other, as I cross both islands, with minimal support. It’s going to be an epic 50 day endeavour, and I want to share it with you.
Why am I doing it?
Like most, 2023 has brought unexpected challenges into my life.
A health scare, a relocation to New Zealand, and training challenges have left me in search of purpose and adventure as I explore the boundaries of my endurance.
After losing my Dad, my life was turned upside down, running was the only thing that gave me a reason to get up in the morning. But it also became a stick to beat myself with.
As a pro-athlete, coach and business owner I never felt I could open up about my struggles or get the support I desperately needed. So I suffer in silence… and it remains something I deal with daily.
Whilst this will be a difficult physical challenge I want to use this journey to highlight the silent mental suffering that many of us face, and to continue to help break down the stigma of mental ill-health. A run of this scale feels like the only way I can be truly vulnerable, learn more about myself and offer hope to others. Maybe this event can help me make sense of my darker days, and inspire you to tackle your own.
Help Me
This is my biggest ever running challenge and is only possible with the support of a team. New Zealand isn’t on many people’s doorstep, so it will be me, Alice and our dog (Mya).
The (human) crew of one - in a small van - will provide a moving 'life-base.' It's a personal passion project and one with a huge commitment in time, energy and money.
So, I’m inviting you to join us on this endeavour virtually.
By offering a way for you to take part remotely we hope you will feel more emotionally invested in the positive possibilities of the project too (virtual crew).
We are offering a limited number of days (Day of Endurance) that can be individually supported by you or your family. A day where your contribution will make a significant difference to me and positively impact my chances of success while also helping you to feel part of something very special. Having you as my global support crew will be emotionally impactful - providing accountability, making difficult days more meaningful. It will also help me be more honest and more vulnerable about the journey, as I share the highs and lows with you, on this challenge and your own.
To be part of this bold project, your duties include:
a promise to be bold in your own way and plan a future challenge of your own
supporting the project and helping to spread positive vibes about our endeavour
Your contribution can start at just £50 for an individual or family for a day. If you're a small business eager to support this venture, we're open to discussing various ways to show our appreciation on the day and beyond. For businesses, the minimum donation starts at £200. We encourage you to give as generously as your means allow.
In return you can expect from me:
An opportunity to choose your own Day of Endurance (one of the 50 days)
A bespoke stone placed on the trail on your day (with gps coordinates) - one day you can go find it!
Exclusive behind the scenes photo-diary / book of the endeavour
Limited Edition Run AX NZ Pyllon Merch
Personal messages from me on your chosen day
Exclusive invite to our post-project gathering in the UK
Run AX NZ film credit
A promise from me that I’ll provide an honest account of the highs and lows in the hope that it will be useful to you and the wider community, in the knowledge that this project will inspire someone else to tackle their own bold challenge. And our one good act of humanity will flourish into many more.
(These may change but we will endeavour to ensure every crew member gets value for money).
We hope you’ll assist in bringing this project to life, and your support is wholeheartedly appreciated. I aim to contribute more to this endeavour than I receive and I’m dedicated to spreading positivity, especially during these challenging darker winter months, and sharing the spirit of humanity with you and others. Your support, whether financial or in other ways, is invaluable.
Here’s some of the numbers:
1,865 MI (3,000 KM)
80,273 M ascent
49 day TARGET
1 runner
(*If unforeseen events occur and I am unable to start, or to finish and your ‘day’ doesn’t happen then I will be happy to refund your contribution. I am not profiting from this event and will always do my best to be transparent, helpful, kind and incredibly grateful for any of your support. Money raised will go towards the many daily expenses of tackling a project like this - food, kit, launderette visits, more food, fuel, ferries, campsite / hostel fees, tracking / gps / mobile phone costs etc. And more food. )
