16 Parkruns in 8 hours

I'm fundraising for The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation

Christmas 2023 to most people in Australia saw a reconnection and stronger bonds with family forming over the festive season. For me, I watched from afar as friends, relatives and acquaintances spent little to no time with their loved ones as their newborns were rushed to NICU and in some cases, passed away during their treatment in NICU over Christmas time. As someone that wants to be a father one day, who has worked with children for over 10 years in education settings and even reflecting on the strong bond I have with my nieces and goddaughter, it breaks my heart and has rattled me to my core about the impact a scenario like that would have to me and my family in the future when I try to have children of my own.

Because of this, I want to help and support in any way I can to those who are suffering now in the hopes that all children can make it out of NICU in the best health possible in the future.
Which has led me to using my passion of ultra-distance running to raise funds for the cause.
On February 3rd 2024, I aim to run the Parramatta Parkrun course 16 times, totaling 80km in under 8 hours.
Why 16?
According to a study revised in 2022 by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare on "Australia's Children", 16% of all neo-natal deaths in NICU come from congenital anomalies. For me on a personal level, the distance of 80km is a task I have never accomplished in my ultra-running journey (furthest I've run currently is 50km) making this fundraising event not just a run in the park.
I will start at 8am on the Saturday morning with the other Parramatta Parkrunners at Eric Primrose Reserve in Rydalmere and will repeat the course another 15 times after with the aim of finishing within 8 hours. I understand that times are tough for everyone right now with inflation and the current cost of living, but it would mean everything to reach the fundraising target before February. If you can't help with fundraising, your support by sharing this page or even just joining me on the run itself would mean just as much to me and those I am trying to support.


DISCLAIMER - The Parkrun organisation has no responsibility and is not liable for any of my actions within my challenge beyond the completion of their 5km course. I will have necessary support to complete my challenge for the duration of the entire day and my support crew will not impede on any of the tasks and services that need to be completed by Parramatta Parkrun staff and volunteers to run their event successfully.