Marathon man empowers kids

PAUL Wright, a groundskeeper at Glen Dhu Primary School, Launceston, will next month be running seven marathons in seven days across seven states.

The 60-year-old is embarking on this epic challenge for the third time to raise awareness and funds for children who have suffered from sexual assault and who don’t feel they can speak up about it.

“I’ve known quite a few children who have been sexually assaulted,” Mr Wright said.

“So it’s all about trying to encourage kids to come forward so they can get their lives back on track.”

There are 20 runners nationally who, as part of child protection organisation Bravehearts, will be raising money through the 777 marathon from July 1-7.

Each runner raises a minimum of $10,000 that will go towards the work of Bravehearts in counselling, education and research.

Kicking off in Perth, the Bravehearts’ 777 will work its way through Adelaide, Melbourne, Launceston, Sydney and Canberra before finishing at the Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday July 7.

Ahead of Mr Wright’s venture, Melbourne teacher and runner Adrian Bol yesterday ran his sixth of seven marathons, taking on Tasmania’s Seven Mile Beach.

Raising money and awareness for Foodbank for his 60th birthday, Mr Bol said he wanted to challenge himself mentally and physically.

“I’m an educator so I want to tell young people they should go after their dreams, don’t give up,” Mr Bol said.