Rotorua Marathon: Man run into the ground for the right cause

Reporoa VETPlus staff Karl Weaver, Gerald Pinckney and Treena Braithwaite took part in the 50th Rotorua Marathon to raise money for the Rotorua Hospice and Reporoa St John. Photo/Stephen Parker

It was an exhausting experience, running more than 42km with muscles aching and sweat dripping, but for Karl Weaver the cause was worth it.

Mr Weaver was one of 19 Reporoa VETPlus staff and clients to take part in the 50th Rotorua Marathon at the weekend, raising money for two charities close to their hearts.

Last year two of the company's clients, Kevin Finnerty and Kevin Fitzgerald, died from cancer and heart disease, so VETPlus staff decided to take on the marathon in honour of the men and to raise funds for charities helping those who suffer from similar illnesses, the Rotorua Hospice and Reporoa St John.

Staff and clients either ran or walked the quarter marathon, the half marathon or the full marathon, with VETPlus donating $25, $50 or $100 respectively to those who finished.

Mr Weaver decided to take on the challenge of running the full marathon.

He said there were times during the run when his entire body was aching and he struggled to go on, but knowing he was helping raise money for a worthy cause kept him going.

"The finish line couldn't come quick enough. It was just a huge relief to get there," he said. "Knowing that what I was doing was going to help people, there was no way I was going to give up."

It was Mr Weaver's third Rotorua Marathon, after he completed one 20 years ago, then another 10 years ago.

"It certainly doesn't get any easier," he said.

The toughest part was running the long, straight roads near the airport, he said.

Meanwhile fellow staff member Gerald Pinckneysaid it was his first, and perhaps his last, half marathon.

"This cause is probably the only reason I'd ever get my arse off the couch and run. I don't think I'll be doing it in a hurry anytime soon," he said.

Reporoa VETPlus marketing manager Treena Braithwaite said the team had raised about $3000 for the charities so far, but hoped to raise a total of $5000.

The funds will be split between the two charities.