Mangawhai represented in mega-marathon fundraiser

 

Ultra-distance runner and outdoors adventurer Malcolm Law is taking on a unique challenge, raising awareness of mental illness.

His fundraising brainchild, the Partners Life High Five-0 Challenge, will see him cover 50 peaks and 50 marathons in 50 days.

Starting on February 7, Mal will be running one marathon a day through (mostly) wild, remote areas all over New Zealand, incorporating at least one peak into the route, every day for 50 days.

In total, he'll traverse 2,200km of rugged New Zealand terrain and climb more than 100,000 vertical meters and he's doing it all to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation.

The concept is borne out of Mal's lifelong love affair with the great outdoors, and his more recent love affair with long-distance trail running.

Many affected by mental illness

Mental health is a cause close to Mal's heart. He lost his brother-in-law to suicide, and has personal experience of depression. One in five New Zealanders will experience a mental illness in any given year. Mental Health Foundation NZ aims to improve the mental health of all people and communities in New Zealand and work towards the elimination of stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.

Not just content to run for others to donate, Mal has his own personal $100,000 fundraising goal and has already achieved over $65,000 before the starters gun. However, Mal doesn't intend to do this alone. Every day he will be joined by a fresh band of support runners who will share in the adventure and help raise funds for this very worthy cause, and Mangawhai will be well represented.

Local to run support on day 2

Mangawhai local, John White, will be running on day 2 of the Challenge on February 8, a gruelling 45km mountain marathon in the Kaimanawa's on the Central Plateau taking in the mighty Thunderbolt Peak. With a 3500m ascent and looking at 10-12 hours running time, John is hoping all those hours of training runs in the Tanekaha Falls Loop Track and the group fitness classes he has been running at the tennis courts at the Mangawhai Domain for the last 12 months will help his stamina.

“I am definitely feeling pretty fit. I have not done the mileage I would like to do for something like this, but running in the wonderful Tanekaha Falls Loop – a fantastic asset to the region – and also running the group fitness classes at the Domain has definitely helped me to develop a different kind of fitness,” says John.

“As an exercise professional and a level two exercise consultant I have a good understanding of the way our bodies use the different energy systems available – so hoping this all stands me well for the mental and physical challenge ahead!”

John is calling on Mangawhai locals who may have or had someone close to them experience the effects of a mental illness, depression or anxiety to donate to the cause. Donations are tax deductible.

You can support this great effort by donating directly to the cause or contribute to your local Mangawhai support runner John by donating at this web address fundraiseonline.co.nz/johnwhite. And you can keep up to date with progress or even sponsor a day through the website high50.org.nz.

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SUPPORT RUNNER: Mangawhai’s John White will take on a testing 45km mountain run as a supporter on day 2 of the 50 day challenge.

MALCOLM LAW: Says a passion for the cause gives him his motivation.