The adidas Auckland Marathon is just around the corner!
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For Aucklander Benjamin Shaw (28) the choice to become a Heart Racer in the adidas Auckland Marathon was simple.
"I'm already training and going to run the marathon anyway, so if this acts as a catalyst for people to give money to a good cause, then why not?!"
Whether running for fun, fitness or to win, Ben sees the value in merging his athletic goals with community goals - which is why he hopes other marathon participants will sign up as Heart Racers before the November 01 event.
"Yes, I am driven by achieving targets - but we're talking about months of training and dedication, I couldn't do it just for the sake of ticking it off my list!"
"In my opinion, it's too self indulgent to just want to prove something to myself" he says.
After competing in half marathon events across New Zealand over the last few years, 2009 is the first, and last, time Ben will be able complete the full 42kms.
Due to a pre-existing ankle injury, professional advice has discouraged him from future running events.
"Basically a doctor at the Adidas Institute said 'yes, one marathon - then find a new sport," says Ben.
It's with a sense of great anticipation and determination that he has rallied the troops – friends, family, and colleagues – to support him in his last major run as a Heart Racer.
"This is it," he says.
With energy and enthusiasm, he has so far raised $547.00 online. Ben's aim is to complete the marathon in 3.5 hours and raise $1000 for The Heart Foundation. To sponsor Ben and help him on his quest please visit: www.heartracer.org.nz/BenjaminShaw
