Runner hits river in charity quest

Julian Bee will begin an epic trip down the Whanganui River from Taumarunui today as part of his Great Runs for Cure Kids.

Mr Bee, of Wellington, will begin his solo kayak leg of 67km on the first leg from Taumarunui to Whakahoro.

The second leg is a 40km run from Whakahoro to the Bridge to Nowhere, via the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka tracks. The 30km third leg in a kayak is from the Bridge to Nowhere to Pipiriki. Each kayak leg has jet-boat support.

Mr Bee says the trip will be a physical and mental challenge, and logistically difficult.

He says that while he is not a seasoned ultra-distance runner, he is hoping to demonstrate that achieving big things is possible while leading a hectic life, complete with a family of two and a full-time job.

Mr Bee expects to land at Pipiriki about 8pm tomorrow, then will head to Ohakune on his way home to Wellington.

So far he has run more than 1000km and raised over $2200, and completed four of the Great Walks - Rakiura, Stewart Island; Routeburn, Southern Alps; Tongariro Northern Circuit, Central Plateau, and Lake Waikaremoana in Te Urewera National Park.

For more information on Mr Bee's Great Runs series or to donate, visit: www.greatruns.co.nz or follow him on Twitter - www.twitter.com/greatruns