Mission achieved for Eli

Eli Dalton-Harvey put mind over matter and outdid his own goal, covering 163.97 kilometres in 24 hours around the Athletic Park track as he raised $3.700 for prostate health.

His Endure for a Cure efforts saw Eli and supporters gather at the park from 7am Saturday until 7am Sunday, where he was joined by many guest runners including Marlborough harriers, runners, friends, his father and runners that had read his story and came down to cover some supporting laps with him.

I joined Eli for a lap in the mid-afternoon heat, the runner having already covered 60 kilometres and “going a little bit quicker than anticipated”.

“Half a dozen people have already come run with me through the day so far, alongside a few laps with the Prost-fit chaps, and so it’s been a little carried away having fresh people doing it alongside you and keeping your pace honest”, he said.

“To be honest, I did most of the morning shirtless, just trying to stay as cool as possible, so as the wind’s picked up I’ve popped the shirt back on, some sun block on and ice on the neck.

“It’s not exactly a spectator sport but the fact that people are here supporting, chatting with each other, meeting with my parents, and getting involved even for just 10, 15 minutes has been humbling to see.

“I’ve attempted to run for 24 hours many times in the past few years, yet fallen embarrassingly short every single time.

“Yet through the grace of God, delusional determination, and my parents running the pit crew like a NASCAR team, I’ve finally gotten it done. This isn’t the end of the road, and I can promise that next time, I’m going to go way further”.

Prost-FIT founder Murray Eyles said, “Our Prost-FIT men are all very appreciative of what Eli has done with this fundraising run which pays for our local exercise classes”.

“Local men from our Prost-FIT group were also there, whether they were running, walking or cooking food very generously supplied by Meaters of Marlborough and Woolworths Blenheim for supporters and families that came along.”

Support Eli and the Prost-FIT Marlborough group at https://www.blueseptember.org.nz/fundraisers/EndureforACure/diy-for-prostate-cancer