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Inspired by Jake

  • Fundraiser finish line in sight

      28 November 2025
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    A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to the fundraiser. All of your generosity is greatly appreciated.

    Also thank to all of the support crews of the four runners. Marathon training takes time and it can shift some family commitments on to others, so thank you for carrying some extra load, while we were out on the streets.

    The biggest thanks to Jake for inspiring us to dig deep on the day and all get across the finish line in our target times.

    Here is a story in today's Wānaka Sun about the fundraiser, which closes tomorrow.

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  • A week to reflect

      21 November 2025
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    The race is over, walking downstairs is getting easier and the donations continue to roll in, as we enter the final week of the fundraiser.

    All of your support for Jake, helped all of us to run marathon PBs.

    Thank you.

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  • Tattered toes and mint memories

      16 November 2025
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    Some of the runners' black toenails will be lost to the ages but the great memories of Queenstown Marathon will always remain.

    Thanks Jake for visiting us in Queenstown on race day and inspiring us to cross the finish line.

    The fundraising campaign ends on November 29 (next Saturday).

    Thanks for all of your support so far.

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  • Job done

      15 November 2025
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    (from left)

    Simon Johnson 03:43:39

    Shawn McAvinue 03:59:34

    Glen Reid 03:56:52

    Glen Mitchell 03:35:59

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  • The carb' loading begins

      14 November 2025
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    Fewer than 12 hours to the start of the Queenstown Marathon and the carbohydrate loading is underway.

    All of the runners are fit and healthy and we have no excuses for a great run.

    Thanks for all of your support. We will provide an update after we have got the job done.

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  • A change of plan

      12 November 2025

    We have raised the fundraising target to $6500 in a bid to get Jake competing offshore and his parent's not having to dip their hands in their pockets.

    We are not too far off the total but as any marathon runner will tell you, if you haven't done the mahi, it is the home stretch where you can hit the dreaded wall.

    We have also extended the fundraiser end-date by a week.

    Thanks for your support. Your generosity is awesome.

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  • Your support is greatly appreciated

      7 November 2025
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    The idea to run Queenstown Marathon was sparked a long time ago, it only took a few decades to find the inspiration to give it a crack.

    We have been blown away by everyone's generosity. Thank you.

    Our current fundraising target will get Jake and his racing kit to train and compete at a domestic event, something similar to the New Zealand Adaptive MTB Festival in Rotorua later this month.

    We have talked to an adaptive sector insider and they gave a rough estimate of about $6500 to get Jake and his kit to the Colarado skifields for a month of training and competing.

    We will keep our target at $4219 but it will tick over if exceeded.

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  • A message from Jake

      2 November 2025

    Thirteen days until Queenstown Marathon

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    • 08/11/2025 by Madeleine Berry

      Love it

  • Meet the runners: Part 4 of 4

      25 October 2025
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    Name: Shawn McAvinue

    Nickname: Pooh

    Age at marathon: Two months shy of 50

    From: Dunedin

    Occupation: Reporter

    Q: What is happening in this photo?

    A group of speedy mobility scooter riders were antagonising pedestrians on the footpaths of South Dunedin so as a gonzo reporter, I spent time riding with the pack and I got immersed in the subculture. It was a challenge to return to a normal life but I've swapped the scooter for running shoes to take on my first marathon in three weeks.

    Q: What time are you targeting at Queenstown Marathon?

    Four hours or quicker. I think it is important to train with a goal in mind but be willing to readjust if you are thrown any curveballs, like a body part giving out or a strong spring wind hits you head on.

    That's what I find inspiring about Jake, he is adjusting his goals to continue moving forward in the sports he loves.

    Q: If we are coming to your house for dinner and you're cooking, what are we eating?

    I'd put you to work to collect some cockles from Blueskin Bay and then I'd make a chowder and put in some monkfish and try to pass it off as crayfish.

    Q: Will you listen to music at Queenstown Marathon?

    Most certainly, as I need all the motivation I can muster. I lean heavily on two late greats from AC/DC, the driving rhythm of Malcolm Young and inspirational words of Bon Scott. I'm originally from Hastings, so the bogan runs deep.

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  • Meet the runners: Part 3 of 4

      19 October 2025
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    Name: Simon Johnson

    Nickname: Jonce

    From: Rangitata Island, South Canterbury

    Occupation: Farmer

    What will your age be at the marathon?

    I'll be 51. I'm the old bugger on the team so I've got an excuse if I'm the slowest.

    Q: Explain the photo to me. Obviously, the headwear is channeling your inner hare but the face mask?

    I'm trying to defy aging and I'll use any tool I can to make me look a bit younger because I'm back on the market.

    Q: Are you using this interview as a way to advertise you are single and looking to mingle?

    Absolutely. I don't know if the bunny ear photo will do the trick but you never know.

    Q: Why have you decided to run your first marathon now?

    I probably won't be able to do it in another 10 years and I don't want to look back and think 'I wish I did that'. Primarily, I was inspired by Jake and I want to help him achieve one of his goals. Also it is a good excuse to have a few beers.

    Q: Are you targeting a certain finish time?

    I'm targeting a finish and for the body to still be in a healthy state after it.

    If I say five hours, then anything quicker will be a celebration.

    Q: Are you trying to under promise and over deliver?

    Pretty much. I have no idea how long it will take. The last 15km of the 42km - that's the unknown for me.

    Q: If we are coming to your house for dinner and you're cooking, what are we eating?

    I do a nice chicken breast with feta and pesto, wrapped in bacon, served with new potatoes and brand-new beans. That's a good time.

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  • Meet the runners: Part 2 of 4

      12 October 2025
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    Name: Glen Reid

    Nickname: Legs

    From: Hastings, Hawke's Bay

    Age at marathon: Two weeks off 50

    Occupation: Vegetable production factory owner-operator

    Q: What is happening in this photo?

    I'd say I'm looking for inspiration to start a speech.

    Q: How is the training going?

    I'm feeling good and I've been eating Weet-Bix every morning rather than pies.

    Q: Is this your second marathon?

    For the first one in Hawke's Bay, I did very little training, but I had told too many people I was doing it, and I couldn't back out. I finished in 4 hour 30 minutes and five seconds. Now I'm two years older and my goal in Queenstown is to better that time.

    Q: What is your favourite song to run to?

    I don't listen to music as wireless headphones fall out of my big ears. I take in the scenery instead.

    Q: If we are coming to your house for dinner and you're cooking, what are we eating?

    A leg of lamb barbecued over charcoal and if there are any crayfish and paua about, we'll have those as a starter.

    Q: What is your motivation for doing the Queenstown marathon?

    I've got the ability to do it so why not and Jake's got big goals, and I want to play a part in helping raise some funds to help the young guy achieve them - that'd be cool and it is great to be doing it with some friends.

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  • Meet the runners: Part 1 of 4.

      4 October 2025
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    Five minutes with Glen Mitchell

    Age: 49

    Occupation: Sheep and beef farmer

    Where: Lumsden, Northern Southland

    Q: What is happening in this photo?

    I'm being discharged from Dunedin Hospital.

    Q: What happened?

    I fell off a slip on a tramping trip in Western Southland and broke most of the bones in my face including my nose and both eye sockets. I also injured my knee and needed surgery on my ankle. This is a reason for being part of this fundraiser. as a lot of people helped me out on my path to recovery.

    Q: How is your ankle and knee holding up during your training for your first marathon?

    They take a bit to get warmed up but they'll be right come race day.

    Q: Are you targeting a certain finish time?

    I always thought I had a 3 hour 30 minute marathon in me but that ship might have sailed and it might be more around four hours.

    Q: What is your favourite song to run to?

    None. I prefer being in nature and my thoughts.

    Q: If we are coming to your house for dinner and you're cooking, what are we eating?

    A barbecue and apple pie.

    Q: Thanks for your time. Now you can get back to what you're doing. What are you doing?

    Dagging hoggets.

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