Maia’s Manukau 2 Maunganui Ultra Marathon

My name is Maia Winiata-Kelly. I’m 25 years old and I have decided to take on a challenge which to me best describes my battles and experiences with Depression, Anxiety and Suicide. I’m planning to run, jog, walk, my way from Manukau to my hearts home of Mount Maunganui in Tauranga. This will be a 195 km Ultra Marathon I will hope to complete over a 3 day period. To me it symbolises the journey of life and that sometimes it may a long and bumpy road to reach our happy place, where we want to be.

I’m wanting raise money for men’s suicide awareness and to help with a roopu (group) that I hold high respect and similar values for called Men's Medicine.

My depression and anxiety lead to attempts at taking my own life and only through peer support and a healthy fitness routine. I was able to come out of my dark hole and make a change. A year ago I was in the Military and became a person who relied on alcohol and drugs to try and fill that hole of dark emotions and isolation. I had lost everything from friends and family, to even having the will to move and get out of bed. But only through positive peer support and small fitness goals in between i was able to change myself for the better. In the past 20 months I have lost 35 kilos and completed a few half marathons which is something that i thought was impossible for me. But this next goal will truely test how far I’m willing to go to reach the pinnacle of happiness inside of me.

At this point I will be conducting the walk at the end of “Movember” and am looking for support. Wether it be a donation or a toot while I’m on the road or to even meet me at the of the mountain when I finish. I may be doing this walk alone but I know that it couldnt be done without all the mana and aroha I am getting from my friends, family people who I have encountered through out my life.

Thank you so much for your time and I hope that this can inspire others to get out there and do something out of your comfort zone to comfort others.