Ultra runner battles stomach problems, blisters

An ultra marathon runner is battling stomach problems and blisters as she attempts to run for 85 hours non-stop to set a world record and raise funds for charity on the way.

Kim Allan has so far run 189km of her 500km goal.

She started the first of her 332 laps of the Auckland Domain yesterday at 6am.

Her co-manager Mark Gray said Allan was set to finish the run by about 8pm on Sunday.

About five or six runners kept her company overnight and others have run with her on and off through the day.

"The heat is a problem and she's had a few stomach problems."

The hardest running time was between 3am and 5am, "when the body clock wants to sleep".

Blisters have also plagued her, Mr Gray said.

"We've cut the top part of the shoes over her toes off to relieve the pressure."

Allan's run is also a fundraising bid for the New Zealand Spinal Trust.

So far she has raised $1100 on her website, plus donations from people passing by.

Allan was once a professional jockey and suffered a severe leg break which indirectly led to her taking up ultra distance running as part of her own rehabilitation.

Earlier she said she was now in a position to do something to raise money for others.

"I'm hoping by doing something really different that people will be inspired to donate to a great cause."

The mother-of-four, from Tuakau, is attempting to break the world record held by US runner Pam Reed who ran 486km in 2005 in just over 80 hours.