Tackling Everest For Charity

This year for his 60th birthday, Ken Hardman won’t be sitting back enjoying a quiet a sherry on the couch. Instead he’s ‘treating’ himself to the Everest Marathon, the highest marathon in the world and also considered one of the toughest. It has been held thirteen times since 1987. This year’s race starts on Friday 2nd December.

To acclimatise naturally to the high altitude, all runners join together for a 25 day adventure in Nepal. Preceding the race competitors undertake a 15 day trek to the start under medical supervision.

The idea to do the race came to Ken after reading a magazine article about the ’10 toughest marathons in the world’. “For me this is a sixtieth birthday present from me, to me that will also raise as much money for charity as possible. I have no illusions about just how hard it will be, my participation should make it easier for others not to come last...” he says.

Before Ken leaves New Zealand he aims to raise as much money as possible for Cure Kids as well as the Everest Marathon Fund, which supports health and educational projects in rural Nepal.

“All money I raise will be split two ways. Half to each charity. I hope to raise at least $10,000 but the more I can raise the better for the charities!”

Ken started running about three years ago when a friend and colleague challenged him to do the Motatapu Marathon. “She was doing it and thought I should as well. One thing leads to another and I’m still going....,” says Ken.

“I think that what Cure Kids does is fantastic – the non-specific nature of what is targeted (all sorts of life threatening illnesses) sits well with me, as does the fact that it deals with kids – the future. I also appreciate the passion that I see in those involved and how so much effort can be turned into such fun. What life is all about.”

Amongst other things Ken is a qualified tandem paraglide pilot. He is offering a free paragliding flight from Coronet Peak, Queenstown for the largest donation received during August.

Anyone interested in taking up the opportunity will need to provide Ken with their contact details by email to ken@theprojectmanager.co.nz.

Updates will appear in the ‘blog’ section of Ken’s FundraiseOnline page and supporters can see what donations have been made at the bottom of the page.

To contact Ken please call: 021 331105