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.