Schimanski finished his 2011km run in Cape Rēinga with family and friends coming out to show their support. Video / Jesse Schimanski
Blake Schimanski ran the length of the country, raising $40,000 for mental health charity I Am Hope.
He was motivated by the memory of a friend who died in 2018, enduring physical and mental challenges.
Schimanski emphasised the importance of checking in with friends and is now focusing on recovery.
Warning: This story refers to suicide
An electrician running the length of New Zealand to raise money for a cause close to his heart was spurred on by chats with his close teenage mate in his mind.
For 24-year-old Blake Schimanski, every step was painful but worth it inmemory of a “close mate” who died suddenly seven years ago.
Schimanski battled double ankle injuries, sleepless nights and close calls with trucks, but on Sunday, after 28 gruelling days, he crossed the finish line, raising almost $40,000 for mental health charity I Am Hope.
Schimanski's ankles swelled to double the size but that didn't stop him from running. Photo / Jesse Schimanski
The motivation behind the run was deeply personal. He lost his friend to suicide in 2018.
“All of my mates had no idea what he was going through,” Schimanski said.
“It’s important to have a chat with your mates often, to make sure they’re doing all good.”
Just four days into the run, Schimanski’s ankles had swollen to “double the size”, but a physio confirmed there was no bone damage, so he pushed on.
