Kerris brought to tears by national award (+ video)

Kerris Browne never cried despite enduring 102km of intense pain recently - but a surprise award this week brought the Rotorua runner to tears.

Mrs Browne was chosen, from hundreds of nominations, as one of 10 sports volunteers around the country to receive a 'Thank a Sport Maker' award as part of a Lotto New Zealand and Sport New Zealand programme.

Three times a year, 10 grassroots volunteers win $2000 worth of sports gear.

Mrs Browne said when she found out it completely caught her unawares and blew her away.

"I didn't have a clue," she said.

"I suppose as an organiser it's unusual to have something happen without being involved."

She said she had endured nearly 20 hours of intense pain in this month's 102km Tarawera Ultramarathon and she did not cry. Yet this happened and she did.

Mrs Browne collapsed when she got home from the Ultra and had to be resuscitated and taken to hospital.

Mrs Browne was presented with her award on Thursday at the Jogging the Powerpole (JTP) run, which she founded.

Mrs Browne said the group was about showing people they could do something epic with a minimum amount of training that could fit into their daily lives.

In her nomination, Marama Christie said without Mrs Browne she would still be sitting on the couch.

"Being part of JTP means that I have new friends who are like-minded."

She said they were encouraged to share their achievements, aches, ails and tips.

"Kerris is an inspiration to us all and does all this voluntarily.

"For those who are unable to afford fitness shoes or clothing and gear Kerris has a koha box which we can help ourselves to. She has also helped those who are unable to fund events."

Debbie Allen-Knight said Mrs Browne was amazing and "one in a million".

"Because of Kerris, we are all healthier and achieving our goals. She rocks."

Mary Hamill said Mrs Browne was "an amazing woman with boundless energy who tells you 'yes, you can do this'".

"I cannot rate Kerris and her enthusiasm highly enough. Kerris always has time for others. She's a mum and family woman and an inspiration to hundreds of people who are trying to improve their fitness."

Meanwhile, Mrs Browne said she was now feeling a lot better after the drama of the ultramarathon.

She said she had discovered the problem had been an infection of the feet.

This caused her feet to swell, which meant no circulation was happening. That then caused tissue breakdown which went to her kidneys.

The 10 winning volunteers will now compete in an online voting competition to decide who the winner of a team experience will be.

Voting runs from March 1 until 10. If you would like to vote for our local Sport Maker finalist visit goodonyou.co.nz.