Running a marathon in grandad's memory for Alzheimer's NZ

*UPDATE: Rotorua Marathon was cancelled with red light, but I decided to carry on and do it anyway on the 30th of May*

My grandad was the world's greatest runner 💕

He was one of those runners who made a punishing pace and distance look easy.

I'm talking a sub-3-hour marathon PB (Dad remembers it being about 2.54), a good 80+ half and full marathon events run, and a pile of medals and trophies. All with a smile on his dial.

On the 7th of May '22, my sisters and I are running grandad's favourite event, The Rotorua Marathon, to raise funds for Alzheimer's NZ in grandad's memory.

I'll be tackling my first ever marathon and hoping to channel grandad's "this is easy" vibes. I'm dead scared to tackle such a huge and hilly distance (and to fit training in amongst my twins!) but also excited because I know he would be so pleased.

Kirsten will be running his other favourite distance - a half marathon - and trying to smile the whole way like he always did.

Maddi is doing her FIRST EVER running event and tackling the 10kms, after recently working her way through C25k. Grandad would be so proud.

Imogen is doing the 10kms too, despite saying she didn't want to enter she's someone who is always there for family - even when it means running further than she'd like!

It's not going to be easy. In fact, I'm pretty sure the hours upon hours of training to get ready is going to suck some days. But it's going to be worth it.

Please, if you feel so inclined, donate to our run so we can support the charity who supported our grandad in his last days.

It would mean the world to us to be able to give back through taking after our grandad (though probably not taking after his speed!)