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Laura & Alex are completing Project Island Song’s 12ks of Christmas

  • Day 12 – Completed, well done everyone! 🥳

      12 December 2024
    Posted by: Project Island Song
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    Congratulations to all the participants for completing the 12ks of Christmas Challenge, raising money for Project Island Song. You’ve done an amazing job, there has been rain and shine, tough days and easy/easier days but you’ve all been so enthusiastic in getting your kms in each day. Good on you!

    Thank you also to everyone who has donated, or walked or run alongside the participants, giving them motivation and entertainment along the way. There is still time to donate, our donation page closes on 31st December. 🤩

    There will be a video on the main challenge page showcasing all the participants photos and videos from the last 12 days. It’ll be out in the next week or so, (once we’ve had a rest!) so keep an eye out for that here: https://givealittle.co.nz/event/12ksofchristmas or on the Project Island Song Facebook page, or sign up to the Project Island Song newsletter by visiting the website https://projectislandsong.co.nz/contact/#subscribe

    In the meantime, here's a short summary of stats from the last 12 days:

    - 8 human participants

    - 1 guide dog participant

    - A total of 1086km completed plus 144 dog kms

    - 16 tired human legs, 4 tired dog legs

    - Dozens of supporters walking or running alongside the participants

    - 10s of thousands of calories burnt

    - Hundreds of hours of volunteered time

    - And over $14,000 raised for Project Island Song!

    Thank you!!!

    ….So, who’s up for joining in next year??? 😁🏃‍♀️🏃🚶‍♀️🚶

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  • Day 12 – The last day, 12kms a day, 12 days, 144km done!

      12 December 2024
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    We did it! We’ve completed the 12ks of Christmas Challenge for Project Island Song. Thank you so much for donating. The challenge has exceeded the $12,000 goal with money still coming in, which is incredible, it’s going to make a huge difference in what can be achieved.

    There will be a video on the main challenge page showcasing all the participants photos from the last 12 days. It’ll be out in the next week or so, so keep an eye out for that here: https://givealittle.co.nz/event/12ksofchristmas or on the Project Island Song Facebook page, or sign up to their newsletter by visiting the website www.projectislandsong.co.nz

    Until the ‘movie’ premiers here are some of our stats from the last 12 days:

    Alex:

    144km completed

    A total of 19 hours, 39 minutes, 48 seconds

    10 different routes

    10,097 calories burnt

    2 pairs of trainers on rotation

    18 podcasts

    2 tired legs

    Looking forward to one day off before getting out there training for the next challenge.

    Laura:

    144km completed

    A total of 20 hours, 57 minutes, 10 seconds (slower and shorter legs!)

    11 different routes

    10,773 calories burnt

    4 pairs of trainers on rotation

    5 different pumping playlists (yes, all bar one featured Take That, the Christmas playlist doesn’t)

    2 tired legs

    Also looking forward to a day off before getting out there training for the next challenge.

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  • Day 11 - Urupukauka in the rain

      11 December 2024
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    Today we were lucky enough to get out to the islands to complete our 12kms with a few of the other participants and even get to ride out with the conservation dogs as they were heading out to check for rodents. What a great way to see and hear the wildlife we're raising money to help to continue to protect.

    Only one more day to go and the weather is looking even worse than today, so tomorrows final run is likely to be a soggy one.

    132km down and only 12km to go!!!!!!

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  • Day 11 - Getting out to the islands

      11 December 2024
    Posted by: Project Island Song
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    Today saw Miriam heading out with her conservation dogs Will and Ahu to complete the rodent checks on Moturua, so some of the participants hitched a lift out to the islands to complete their 12ks on Urupukapuka. It was great to see the impact of being 15 years pest-free has had on the bird life, despite the showers the chorus was incredible. 🐦🐦🐦

    Anika headed out in Kerikeri today, you can watch her video below. And check out some of the photos from the group out on Urupukapuka.

    Tomorrow is the last day for those taking part and it's looking a bit gnarly weatherwise, but they will still be out there completing the 12ks of Christmas. Give them a like, a wave or cheer if you see them, they are all stars and ready to put their feet up after completing this challenge!

    https://givealittle.co.nz/event/12ksofchristmas Thank you!

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  • Day 10 - Cloudy and raining but still going

      10 December 2024
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    The worst day of weather so far, lots of grey cloud and rain on our runs today. But we've now completed 120km and only have 24km to go over the next two days. :)

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  • Day 10 – Grey & rainy but still going

      10 December 2024
    Posted by: Project Island Song
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    It may well have been a rainy day today, but the team still got out there to complete their distances – good on them! Your donations have really help motivate everyone to get up and lace up those shoes each day.

    It turns out a few of them had the same plan to get out bright and early this morning and even bumped into each other during their walks and runs.

    The team in Russell realise how good it is to see each other on some of their walks/runs to give each other a boost and motivation and talk about how tired their legs are at this point 😉

    A big shout out goes to Vinnie and Anika who are completing their 12ks of Christmas in Taupo and Kerikeri respectively and might not see the rest of the team which makes it a lot harder, but they are still rocking it! Ka Pai! 😁

    A big thank you also to Raewyn who has joined William on several of his walks so is building up those kms too!

    120km down just 24kms to go for the 144kers and 55km down and 23 to go for the traditional 12ks of Christmas.

    Two days to go! wwooohoooo

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  • Day 9 - Failure to start the watch - Doh but target goal reached

      9 December 2024
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    A major milestone achieved today, the team reached the target goal of $12,000 for Project Island Song - AMAZING! Thank you to everone who has donated - read more on the main page update.

    Today Alex did an early run and Laura was heading out to the Islands so thought she'd get a good 4km walk around Moturua as part of her 12kms. Major fail, she forgot to start her watch. As every runner knows, if it's not on Strava it doesn't count so she did an extra 4km today to ensure she 'officially' completed the 12kms.

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  • Day 9 - WOW we've reached our target

      9 December 2024
    Posted by: Project Island Song
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    Day 9 - WOW we've reached the $12,000 target! 🥳Wooohooooo! Thank you so much to everyone who has donated and is still donating, you're incredible. 🥰😁🤩

    Just because we've reached our target goal doesn't meant the team stops, we'll still be out there stepping into Christmas for the next three days. Our legs are getting tired now so any motivation and cheers along the way if you see them will be well recieved.

    You can still donate to keep them motivated the Give a Little page will still allow donations until 31 December.

    Today Anika completed her walk in Kerikeri, Maryanne sent a cheeky photo of her in the Russell Volunteer Fire Brigade truck. And Laura had to do an extra 4km as she forgot to set an activity on her watch... doh, and as everyone knows if it's not on Strava it doesn't count 😩🤦‍♀️

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  • Day 8 - Auckland, Russell hills and Christmas Parade

      8 December 2024
    Posted by: Project Island Song
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    Day 8, wow, thank you to everyone who has donated so far, we’ve now reached $11,500 of our target, it’s incredible and we still have four days to go. THANK YOU for your generocity!!! 🥰

    Today saw Laura and Alex running in Auckland, William walking some hills in Russell and finishing up with the Russell Christmas Parade. Meri Kirihimete. 🎄

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  • Day 8 - Auckland run, Maungakiekie & Newmarket circuit

      8 December 2024
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    Today we were in Auckland picking up family for Christmas so took the opportunity to take in the sights of Maungakiekie. Beautiful morning in Cornwall Park.

    Only 4 days to go, 48 kms, just over a marathon.

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  • Day 7 - Parkrun plus 7km

      7 December 2024
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    A change of scenery today, off to Whangarei where we did a 5km 'warm-up' prior to Parkrun then finished off with the final 2km to reach our 12kms.

    Garmin has suggested a 72hour recovery period....hhhmmm not possible, we're out again tomorrow for another 12km. Only 60km to go!

    A massive thank you to everyone who has donated. The whole team have now raised a combined $11,000, we're so close to our target goal with just 5 days left o the challenge.

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  • Day 7 and the team are still going strong. 💪

      7 December 2024
    Posted by: Project Island Song
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    Some different locations for the runs and walks today. Tracey did hers in Auckland and Laura & Alex completed their 12ks in Whangarei which included the regular Saturday morning Parkrun, plus 7kms of course!

    William completed his in Russell and saw some predator free Russell rat traps in working order, one had even caught a rat! 🐀

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  • Day 6 – We’re halfway!

      6 December 2024
    Posted by: Project Island Song
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    Day 6 completed, another hot one but the team are halfway through. Woohoo!!!

    Today saw Anika in Kerikeri completing her walk, Moana and Tracey meeting at Matauwhi Bay and William and others heading over to Paihia and Waitangi to complete their 12ks. The day finished up with the Project Island Song team taking part in the Paihia Christmas Parade.

    For those keen folk who take part in Whangarei Parkrun/Parkwalk on a Saturday morning keep an eye out for Laura and Alex who will be heading there tomorrow morning as part of their 12kms.

    Enjoy this sunny Friday evening. ☀️🎄

    https://givealittle.co.nz/event/12ksofchristmas

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  • Day 6 - Paihia & Waitangi waterfront

      6 December 2024
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    In the words of Bonjovi 'Whoa, we're half way there' we've completed day 6, only 6 more days and 72km to go!

    Beautiful day here in the Bay of Islands and the Paihia Christmas Parade this evening.

    Tomorrow we're off on an adventure and will be completing five of our 12ks tomorrow at Whangarei Park Run. If you're there come and say hi.

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  • Day 5 - Scenic lookout & chickens crossing the path - no joke!

      5 December 2024
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    Day five and the legs are feeling it, we took it at a slower pace today more a fast walk very slow jog. But we did get to enjoy the scenic lookout accessible from the new bike path, with its incredible views of the islands. And we got to watch chickens cross the path...there's probably a joke in there somewhere.

    Off to rest our legs now ready for the half way run tomorrow. Only 84km still to go! woohoo!

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  • Day 5 of the 12ks of Christmas: 🎄

      5 December 2024
    Posted by: Project Island Song
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    Today, thanks to everyone who has donated, we have passed the $10,500 mark!

    What incredible motivation for the team taking part, THANK YOU! 🥰

    Did you know everyone taking part is doing so voluntarily and in their own time, which means every dollar raised comes straight to Project Island Song.

    Todays walks and runs saw scenic lookouts, chickens crossing the path and Te Araroa Trail walkers.

    If you've donated already or are thinking about it, did you know donations over $5 are eligible for a New Zealand charitable giving tax credit. https://givealittle.co.nz/event/12ksofchristmas

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  • Day 4 - Overseas to Opua

      4 December 2024
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    We changed it up a bit today by heading 'overseas' to Opua for our run along the rail trail and coastal path. Pretty warm still at 5pm but thankfully lots of shade along the way.

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  • Day 4 - we're a third of the way through

      4 December 2024
    Posted by: Project Island Song
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    The end of day four which means we're a third of the way through the 12kms of Christmas. There's now less than 100km each to go for those completing the full 144km and 68m to go for those completing the traditional version.

    Today, Tracey did her walk in the day light, Maryanne and Moana caught up with some folks around Russell, Laura & Alex went 'overseas' to Opua and William did loops up to the lookout that takes in incredible views of the islands of Ipipiri. 😍

    Thanks to the team for sharing their photos!

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  • Day 3 - Boardwalk lengths...a lot of lengths!

      3 December 2024
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    Today we kept it nice and flat and completed the full 12kms up and down the boardwalk. Legs feeling a bit better after some stretching and foam rollering :)

    Day 3 done, 108km to go!

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  • Day 3: Blackout, big chair & boardwalks

      3 December 2024
    Posted by: Project Island Song
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    Day three completed. Well done team!

    Tracey started so early it was still dark, William and his walking team visited the big chair in Russell and Laura & Alex ran a lot of lengths of the boardwalk.

    Only 108km to go for the 144km team and 72km for the traditional participants. 😁

    A big thank you to all who have donated, you're awesome! We're really close to reaching our target of $12,000 with less than $3000 to go, can we reach it before day 12???

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  • Day 2

      2 December 2024
    Posted by: Project Island Song
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    As we're nearing the completion of day 2 of the 12kms of Christmas, in total everyone taking part will have achieved a combined 171kms in two days! That's incredible.

    Keep up the great effort everyone:

    Only 120km to go for those taking part in the 144km version.

    Only 75km to go for those taking part in the traditional 12kms of Christmas.

    Image is of William's Orongo Bay walk this morning. Beautiful.

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  • Day 2 - Orongo Bay & Bush loops

      2 December 2024
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    Today we completed our 12kms looping around Orongo Bay along the boardwalks, bush walk and bike path - beautiful!

    An early start as it's a bit cooler first thing and Laura had to get across to Paihia for a biosecurity check.

    Music - listened to some Christmas tunes to get into the festive spirit this morning.

    Leg update - they are already feeling tired haha! Lots of rollering, stretches and some massage gun tonight.

    24km down 120km to go!

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  • Day 1: and we're off, 12kms down, 132km to go!

      1 December 2024
    Posted by: Project Island Song
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    Our 12kms of Christmas Challenge is underway. Day one and everyone taking part is completing the 144km distance over 12 days. Ka pai!

    Great to start with most of the participants this morning at Tapeka plus we had a few extra participants completing just a few kms which is great motivation for the team.

    Thank you to everyone who has donated so far, every donation is motivation for the participants and will help us to keep the islands of Ipipiri pest-free and thriving with wildlife.

    If you see any of our runners or walkers feel free to stop them and donate they all have an easy QR code to scan, and they might enjoy the breather 😉

    12kms down 132km to go!!

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  • Day 1 - hot, humid & hilly

      1 December 2024
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    Today marked the start of the 12ks of Christmas Challenge. It was hot, humid and a hilly run!

    We got to walk the first 1km as a nice warm up for the rest of the run with most of the other participants and a few supporters too. Thank you to everyone who joined in. Check out the main page for a couple of photos and video of that.

    12kms down 132km to go!

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  • One day to go!

      30 November 2024
    Posted by: Project Island Song

    With just one day to go before the 12ks of Christmas kicks off, the whole team want to thank everyone who is participating or has made a donation. We're over half way to our target of $12,000 which is incredible. THANK YOU!

    Check back for daily updates on how we're going via the individual participants pages and the Project Island Song Facebook page.

    If you're keen to join William on part or all of his walks we've uploaded his plan or check out his page for more information.

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  • WOW!

      18 November 2024

    Wow! Thank you to everyone who has donated so far! Your donations will make a real difference to Project Island Song.

    We will post some updates and photos here when the challenge begins on 1st December so don't forget to check back then.

    For now we best get some training in... 12 days to go until the 12ks of Christmas begins! The countdown is on.

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