Running rings around prostate cancer

Prostate cancer’s impact on his family and community will motivate Eli Dalton-Harvey a long way past where many would go in the name of fundraising. Eli is challenging himself to a 24-hour fundraising run around Athletic Park’s track in support of local organisation Prost-Fit, with a goal of 150km.

By the time he completes his 24 hours of running from 7am Saturday November 1 until 7am Sunday November 2, he says he will be battling for many reasons but the battling ethos behind long-distance running echoes living with prostate cancer.

“I’m planning to make the most of when I’m feeling good, try and get 100k done during the day and then just continue to battle through the dark, put one foot in front of another”.

“Building a purpose behind ultra-marathons is important mentally - running has been a big part of my life for a long, long time but I’ve had multiple members of my family with prostate cancer.

“There’s only so much physical preparation you can do, you put your best foot forward and hoping the legs hold up the whole way”.

Eli first connected with the Prost-Fit classes through trainer Liam Warren, and met organiser Murray Eyles who was “humbled” by Eli’s offer of fundraising.

“Exercise is a huge part of Prost-fit but the self-mentoring within the group over a Subway lunch and being in touch with yourself and one another is so crucial”, says Murray.

“Guys will go, “Oh they’re just going to put me on this drug. Do any of you guys know what it’s like?”, that’s a very important community aspect, and we are so blessed with the men that we have here.

“I keep a record of who’s here and who’s not, and we reach out because life is what it is – they’ll be away with family on holiday, or in treatment visiting a specialist in Nelson or Christchurch.

“But we’re also going to be Eli’s support crew alongside the Marlborough Harriers, getting what he needs on the run whether it’s some of the donated food from Woolworths Blenheim and Meaters of Marlborough or a motivational word.”

With $1300 worth of donations already going to the continued running of the Prost-FIT group on Monday and Wednesday at Stadium 2000, Murray says that he and the group’s ever-increasing membership thoroughly appreciate Eli championing their cause.

And while 150km of running is daunting for anyone, Eli says he’s just doing what he can to help.

“Support so far has been so great, and we’ll head down to the Woody after and have a few drinks with everyone who has supported on the Sunday.

“I just think the concept fits in so nicely, and we’ve hired out the park so if anyone wants to come and support, meet the Prost-fit guys, or do a few laps around the track, you’re more than welcome.”