Mt Cargill 24hour run for Valley Project
ENDURING 24 hours of constant running up and down Mt Cargill will be worth it to support The Valley Project, a runner says.
About 10 people were running on the hill for 24 hours from 10am on Saturday, to raise money for The Valley Project.
Project board chairman Steve Tripp said the public was encouraged to join them running up Mt Cargill or support them from the base camp, at the bottom of Mt Cargill.
Mr Tripp had permission from the Dunedin City Council to have two tents in Bethunes Gully at the base of Mt Cargill, where two support members would stay overnight.
There was a barbecue at the base, with more than 50 supporters were expected to cheer them on.
The initiative came from Andrew Glennie who was the ‘‘24hour New Zealand champion’’ after completing a marathon in early October.
Mr Tripp, who was running himself, wanted to create an event, involving a hill this time and said Mt Cargill was the perfect place to challenge themselves.
Mr Tripp admitted he was both ‘‘excited and nervous’’ for Saturday, having only previously completed 16hour marathons.
He wanted to complete Mt Cargill about 12 times and was not prepared for the pain he would endure on Sunday.
Mr Tripp became involved with The Valley Project three years ago and loved what the project stood for.
‘‘It’s absolutely awesome, it’s a great development to take ownership of our community,’’ Mr Tripp said.
He hoped for raise about $2500 through donations from the public for his community.
The proceeds would go towards Creekfest and community needs.