Roe makes marathon effort

Former marathon winner Allison Roe is lacing up her walking shoes for a good cause.

She’s part of a team of supporters running the half and full events at the ASB Auckland Marathon for the Well Foundation, the fundraising body for Waitemata District Health Board.

The Waitemata DHB board member and winner of the 1981 Boston and New York City marathons is leading the team, made up of Well Foundation and Waitemata DHB members.

However, the event will be quite different from her 1981 races. She plans to walk the 21 kilometre event as a knee injury means she is limited to running barefoot on sand.

‘‘Walking is low impact and relatively relaxing and it has given me a newfound appreciation for my environment,’’ Roe says.

‘‘This walk is less about walking fast than it is being part of a team effort to raise funds for social good.’’

Roe has been helping the team train for the event, providing training plans, and sharing tips about preventing injury, eating well and getting enough sleep.

‘‘The more I think about it, the more it becomes obvious that being mobile and keeping strong and fit at any age should be part of everyone’s day.’’

She says it is important for runners to be consistent with training, get enough rest and sleep, and practise drinking water on the run.

‘‘If you miss the water station and dehydration sets in, there’s not much you can do.’’

For Well Foundation chief executive Andrew Young, the event will be a rewarding challenge.

Young is a fitness junkie and ran the 2009 New York City Marathon. This time he is taking on the 21km challenge.

‘‘Doing the 21km run is a big enough test for me. I’m quite addicted to exercise and fitness, I love running and walking and going to the gym,’’ Young says.

‘‘This is combining my love for exercise and fundraising for my favourite charity, it’s a no-brainer for me. It combines my two passions.’’

The ASB Auckland Marathon is on Sunday, October 31 and the Well Foundation welcomes anyone who wants to join its team.

Go to wellfoundation.org.nz/page/ Join-Allison-and-the-team for more information and to sign up.

A team of Well Foundation runners, led by former marathon winner Allison Roe, front centre, are training for the ASB Auckland Marathon.