Perry runs New Zealand for Autism

NZ ultramarathon legend Perry Newburn will be running the length of New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Bluff (2113km). And he’s making a crack at setting a new record time for this distance! The current record stands at just over 18 days - set 43 years ago. For Perry to beat this, he will need to run almost 120km per day!

And while he’s doing all this, Perry’s raising funds for Running on the Spectrum, a NZ charity which aims to increase inclusiveness and acceptance of children with autism, as well as encourage kids on the spectrum into running.

Perry wants to encourage businesses, schools and individuals to get behind Running on the Spectrum and show their support through donations here. You can follow his journey here: https://www.facebook.com/The-last-Hurrah-Length-of-NZ-2018-203915496786401/

Who is Perry Newburn?

64 year old Perry is an endurance runner from Napier. He’s already clocked up an amazing list of running achievements, including a world masters record across the United States (51 days, 16 hours and 40 minutes), the second-longest distance without sleep by a New Zealander (487km in 72 hours) and a circumnavigation of New Zealand in 71 days!

What is Running on the Spectrum?

Running on the Spectrum was set up by another Kiwi ultramarathoner, Jason Reid. Jason also happens to be on the spectrum and is a teacher aide in Taranaki who works directly with kids with autism.

Jason knows first hand how people with autism can benefit from movement and running, and all the funds raised through Perry’s extraordinary run down the length of NZ will go straight to helping kids on the spectrum into running programmes as well as give them each a new pair of running shoes.