Local Man Runs 30 Marathons in November for Men’s Health

A local man in Queenstown has taken on the ambitious challenge of running a marathon each day for the entirety of November, all while managing a full-time job. Known as Brownie, he aims to raise funds for Movember, a campaign focused on men’s health awareness. This initiative is inspired by his fellow members at the Industrial Fitness gym, who participate in fundraising activities for the cause annually.

Turning 30 on November 1, Brownie saw this as an opportune time to embark on his marathon journey. “I thought I’d try and get involved… so I thought ‘what better way to bring in your 30s than 30 marathons?’” he explained. The timing aligned perfectly, as November consists of 30 days, providing the ideal framework for his challenge.

Balancing Work and Training

An experienced ultramarathon and Hyrox competitor, Brownie acknowledges that this endeavor will require both physical stamina and mental resilience. “You’ve got to prepare yourself for four or five hours a day of running, as well as the logistics of it,” he noted. He is also mindful of the potential for injuries, given that he will cover over 1,260 kilometers throughout the month.

So far, Brownie has been completing his daily 42.2 kilometers in the mornings before heading to work. As the manager of his family’s 86-year-old mattress business, he enjoys some flexibility in his hours, allowing him to balance both responsibilities effectively.

While he has experienced favorable weather conditions since starting on November 1, he has plans to switch to a treadmill if inclement weather arises. “I’m keeping it nice and slow, so the body doesn’t blow up too early. When you wake up in the morning, your joints feel it, but once you start running, they seem to oil up a bit and feel fine… and I’ve got no blisters yet,” he shared.

A Thriving Community and Goals

Brownie moved to Queenstown about 18 months ago and has embraced the active lifestyle the resort town offers. He enjoys running on the hill trails with his dog and has participated in various local events, including the Arrowtown Backyard Ultra, Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon, and Northburn 100. He plans to run in the upcoming Queenstown Marathon on November 11, marking the halfway point of his Movember mission.

With donations already approaching his initial target of $5,000, Brownie is considering raising his fundraising goal to $10,000. His determination to promote men’s health awareness through this marathon challenge reflects a strong commitment to both community and personal health.