Kim Owen's Marathon Fundraising

Dad and I shredding in Canada, '06

Mum and I before the Hooper Loop Mountain Race, Jan 2010.

One day (sometime in August, 2009) I decided to run a marathon. Mum soon convinced me to try a half marathon first. So I ran the Wairarapa Country Half Marathon in October. Those last few kilometers made me realise just how far 42km was! After a little more practise I like to think I now have the 21km down, so today I entered and started training for the Harbour Capital Marathon. 18 weeks and counting.

So for those of you who don't know me, I'm Kim, a 22 geology student currently studying for my Masters at Victoria University of Wellington, in New Zealand. And before last year I had never run more the 6km in my life! It was hard getting into it but after a while my body gave up complaining and now I get antsy if I haven't run in 2 days.

A marathons a long way only on your own 2 feet so to help run those 42km, I need motivation. So I'm running for a cause that is close to my heart (HA! see what i did there). This is for my dad and my big brother.

Each day 16 New Zealanders die as a result of coronary heart disease. That's one person every 90 minutes. And many of these deaths are premature and preventable. It causes 40 percent of all deaths annually in our country - making it more deadly than all forms of cancer.

So, help me as I join the race to beat heart disease.

I've signed up as a Heart Racer to raise money to support the Heart Foundation. By donating through my webpage you will be helping the Heart Foundation continue its vital work in research, cardiac rehabilitation, education programmes and resources.

I'll do all the hard work, but I really need you to make a difference to the hearts of New Zealanders.

So, please could you sponsor me?

Select the "Make a donation" button below. It's simple, fast and totally secure and the money goes directly to the Heart Foundation's bank account.

If you live in New Zealand your donation is tax deductible and a receipt will be issued.

So please help me and pass it on to your family and friends!

Many thanks for your support and please cross your fingers that Wellington might have a nice day on June 27th! Please feel free to come and yell at me if I look like stopping.