"I really enjoyed that little 5k there, to have that many people turn up is awesome.
"Yesterday was one of my better days actually, I probably ran the best I've run the whole time."
Enjoying a rest day in Tauranga today, Mr Brown plans to offer his services to the oil spill clean-up for an hour or so. "Other than that, just get a massage and relax," he said. Mr Brown was inspired to take on the challenge by his mate and stroke survivor Nick Chisholm, who he describes as, "an absolute legend".
A rugby accident in 2000 resulted in Mr Chisolm experiencing a series of brain stem strokes, leading to locked-in syndrome which made him unable to walk or talk. After witnessing what Mr Chisholm, who featured on current affairs show 20/20, has accomplished through rehabilitation, Mr Brown is aiming to raise as much money as possible for the Stroke Foundation, so more stroke survivors can access a gym and rehabilitation services.
Running an average of 50km six days a week, he is on schedule to cover the 2800 to 2900 km journey in 10 weeks, finishing in Auckland on November 6. "I'm looking forward to that day, it will be a lot of emotion on that day I'd say."
Donations to the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand can be made by visiting Jup Brown's website www.runningnz.co.nz or texting STROKE to 5339 to make a $3 donation.