Principal prepares for tough marathon
A TOOWOOMBA principal is preparing to undertake one of the toughest endurance events in the world to help tackle a major issue.
Christian Outreach College principal Michael Bray will run the Muskathlon, held in Indonesia in October.
The event is described as the “ultimate endurance event at an extreme location, in order to raise maximum funds to fight injustice”.
All participants are expected to raise significant funds. This Muskathlon will raise money for Compassion, to help children out of poverty.
Mr Bray has already run 13 marathons, including the world-famous Boston Marathon last year.
“Not only is it further than I’ve ever run before (60km) but I have a chance to run for something bigger than myself,” Mr Bray said.
“The opportunity to raise funds for Compassion and gain child sponsorships is hugely motivating.”
Mr Bray now needs to raise a minimum of $10,000 to compete.
“This is a big number, but we need to make a big difference. So lots of fundraising needs to happen,” he said.
Mr Bray hopes his efforts in the Muskathlon will make a positive impact on the lives of the local children in Sumba, the remote part of Indonesia where the race is held.
He also hopes his journey will impact his college students.
“I want them to see that doing hard stuff is worth it, not necessarily easy, but worth it,” he said.
“For many in the world, surviving each day is a challenge.
“There is no excuse not to throw everything I can into life and take on any challenge I can.”
To help with fundraising, the college library staff have organised a bookfest which will be held on Saturday, August 19.
Second-hand books will be sold for $1 or $5 for a bag. It will be held in the college’s multi-purpose centre from 9am to 1pm.
Library manager Shex Morris said Book Week would follow bookfest and she hoped the community would come along, not only to help Mr Bray get running, but to get kids reading.