RUNNING

Seven Exhilarating Days Come To a Gratifying End Mizone 7in7 Challenge

359.7kms of running in seven days straight, and Malcolm Law could not be happier.

Last Sunday 29 November, Aucklander Malcolm Law set out to complete the audacious Mizone 7in7 Challenge. Today, he is humbled to announce that his feat has raised $73,000 for the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation with donations still coming.

“I am completely estatic and on cloud nine after the most challenging, exciting and enjoyable week of my life,” Law says.

Law took a sabbatical in 2009 to complete the personal mission of raising enough money to truly make a difference for Leukemia patients and their families.

Leukaemia took the life of his older brother Alan back in 1969.

“The Mizone 7in7 Challenge was by no means easy, but the pain can’t be compared to what we went through when my brother fell sick. When Alan died I decided that one day I would dedicate myself to doing something momentous to help other families whose lives are affected by this cruel disease, now I have done part of it, but my job doesn’t end here,” says Law.

Running close to eight and a half marathons in seven consecutive days, through the arduous terrain made up by New Zealand’s seven Great Walks has never been accomplished, until now.

The Mizone 7in7 began at Lake Waikaremoana (42.7km) and travelled through Tongariro Northern Circuit (41km), Abel Tasman Coast Track (51.9), Heaphy Track (78.4km), Routeburn Track (32.1km), Milford Track (53.5km) to a finish at the Kepler Track (60.1km) as a competitor in the annual Kepler Challenge mountain race last night.

In total, Law ran an impressive 66 hours and 10 minutes.

“I am very proud of my effort, which could never have been achieved without the generosity and support of so many New Zealanders. The money raised has surpassed any of my expectations.”

All funds generated by the Mizone 7 in 7 Challenge will go to the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation’s Patient Support Service, providing personalised support for patients and families living with Leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood related conditions. The service includes regular visits, phone or email contact as well as face to face education and an online forum.

The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation is overwhelmed by Law’s dedication to the cause and the support the challenge has received from greater New Zealand. Pru Etcheverry, Executive Director of the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation, says, “Malcolm is astonishing, we are amazed by what he set out to do as a challenge and what he has achieved. We are so grateful to him.”

To continue to support Malcolm in his efforts, get more information about the challenge and follow his next steps, please visit www.7in7.org.nz.