Shorty Star to run North Island for Ronald McDonald House

This Sunday, Shortland Street star Ido Drent (Daniel Potts) will attempt to run from Wellington to Auckland in only eight days. Joining a team of three other runners from Many Miles for Mary www.manymilesformary.co.nz, Drent will tackle the 900kms to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House (RMH) Auckland.

The charity provides accommodation for families from all over New Zealand who have to stay in Auckland while their children receive treatment at Starship Children’s Hospital.

Despite his limited experience with running long distances, Drent jumped at the chance to take part in this year’s event due to the unique nature of the challenge, coupled with the opportunity to support RMH Auckland.

“I have never really enjoyed running that much, but this has proven to be an incredible challenge and an opportunity to achieve something pretty remarkable,” says Drent.

“Having been and visited Ronald McDonald House in Auckland just recently, I am amazed at what they do and really hope that we can help them in a big way with this event.”

To prepare for this grueling endeavour the athletes have adopted an unorthodox training regime. Employing the training programme CrossFit Endurance, they’ve completed extensive weight training instead of kilometers of running.

The team members haven’t run more than 15kms a week to prepare for the 900km run. Jamie Milne, event organiser and runner says,

“The results don’t lie. CrossFit Endurance combines the best of Olympic and power lifting; gymnastics based training and metabolic conditioning, to produce a response on par with Ultra endurance training. It’s worked for MMFM for three years running and I’m sure it will continue to do so.”

Wayne Howett, CEO, RMH Auckland says, “We are thrilled that Ido and the team from Many Miles for Mary have chosen us as their charity. Their enthusiasm has been overwhelming and we’re looking forward to cheering them across the finish line when the arrive at the House next week.”

Funds raised will go towards the stage two development of the RMH Auckland Grafton Mews family accommodation facility.

Run itinerary

Sunday 31st July 6.00am Start at RMH Wellington, 6.00pm finish Palmerston North

Monday 1st August 6.00am Start Palmerston North 6.00pm finish Taihape

Tuesday 2nd August 6.00am Start Taihape 6.00pm finish Turangi

Wednesday 3rd August 6.00am Start Turangi 6.00pm finish Rotorua

Thursday 4th August 6.00am Start Rotorua 6.00pm finish Tauranga

Friday 5th August 6.00am Start Tauranga 6.00pm finish Hamilton

Saturday 6th August 6.00am Start Hamilton 6.00pm finish Pukekohe

Sunday 7th August 7.00am Start Pukekohe 1.00pm finish to RMH Auckland

Details of the route http://manymilesformary.co.nz/the-mission/