Friend's adversity proves marathon man's inspiration

Jup Brown says the best advice he can give anyone attempting an epic feat is to have a dedicated support team. Photo / APN

It was like a scene from a movie.

Justyn "Jup" Brown was only a few steps away from completing an unbelievable 2900km running journey (that is one and half times the length of New Zealand). He arrived at his final destination in Auckland accompanied by his good mates and inspirations Nick Chisholm and his Dad. A number of stroke survivors who were learning to walk again joined in the parade for the final 300m.

It was an emotional moment that summed up months of toil and pain across roads all around New Zealand.

Jup ran the last steps of his 67-day ultramarathon journey and the humble 38-year-old plumber from Wanaka couldn't believe it was over. "It is quite a surreal feeling to have finished," said Jup, who was in good shape physically but mentally fatigued. "It is hard to get your head around it when you look at a map and have a look at how far I have come.

"It has gone by really quickly and I don't know how to sum it up but say it has been an incredible experience."

Brown has spent the week taking it easy and resting his weary legs. He deserves it. Each morning, for 67 days, he woke up, laced up his runners and hit the road - come rain, hail or shine - for yet another 50km journey.

This madness was inspired by Chisholm. Nick experienced Locked-in Syndrome after a series of brain stem strokes, following a rugby accident in 2000. It left him unable to walk or talk, at age 27. But with the help of rehabilitation he is pushing the boundaries of possibilities.

"Nick is an absolute legend," said Jup. "A man of determination and power, not only mental strength, but physical strength - like you wouldn't believe."

Jup has paid tribute to his mate by showing exactly that. His run was to raise awareness and money for the Stroke Foundation. There are an estimated 45,000 stroke survivors in New Zealand who need help to reach their full potential.

"I have learned a lot from the stroke sufferers I have met as well along the way and that helped me stay positive, their attitude. That they keep fighting to get their lives back. That refreshed me every time and made my battle that bit easier.

"There are always people worse off than me, and we need to remember that."

In a sad turn of events, Jup's own father suffered a stroke in June 2011, eight months into his planning for this challenge, further strengthening his resolve. "My dad having a stroke scared me," he said. While his father is recovering well, Jup said, "It definitely upped the motivation. And it's shown me how unpredictable strokes are - they just happen."

Surprisingly with it all behind him, Brown's body is in good nick. "The body is awesome. I don't really know why but I haven't had much pain at all so I have been very lucky."

Brown's interest in long-distance running started in 2007 with a marathon on Australia's Gold Coast (3:59:00). After that he competed in two 100km ultramarathons in Japan in 12hrs 20mins and ran a marathon at Mt Everest Base Camp. But this effort trumps them all. "It has been a very personal experience. I have seen some amazing places and met some really interesting people. They have offered me accommodation, baked me muffins, bought me beers ... everything really.

"I come into a new town, there has been a whole load of people looking to support me and my cause. It has been very humbling. It shows that New Zealand is full of good bastards."

Chisholm is proud of his mate who made a massive difference to stroke sufferers. "Raising awareness has made people appreciate the effort it takes for stroke victims to accomplish everyday tasks that they take for granted," he said. "It has been an incredible effort."

Jup had only just completed this mission when he started talking about what was next. "After a good rest - I'd like to do something big again," he said with a smile. "I would like to do something similar in Japan to help people who have suffered from the tsunami or help build a school in Nepal off the beaten track. I ran a marathon there last year and I met some good people who told me that it would take $20 or $30k to build a school so that sounds manageable. I'd go over there and help build it."

He has simple advice for people who are battling adversity in their own lives: "Keep trying and believe that nothing is impossible. We all have challenges in our lives but you never know what you can achieve if you keep at it.

"Dream big, because you determine whether you'll get there or not. I know that after running this that I will never say that something is impossible again.

"But the best advice I can offer is ... get a lot of people to support you. The people I have met have given me the power and mental strength to achieve this."

Jup Brown

Age: 38

From: Originally from Wanaka, currently works in Perth and Japan for 6 months a year and travels the rest.

Occupation: Works as a plumber, an English-Japanese translator at Japanese sporting events, and building ski and snowboard courses.

Running achievements:

Gold Coast Marathon 2007 (3: 59: 00)

Two 100km ultramarathons in Japan

A marathon at Mt Everest Base Camp.

2011 April - Whilst working in Australia, Jup completed a 100km fundraising run on a treadmill - in one week raising NZ$40,000 to fund two recumbent bikes for Nick, so he (and a guide) can accompany Jup on part of this run throughout New Zealand.

2011 Ran the length of New Zealand and half again (2900km) in 67 days.

Jup said:

"I would like to thank everyone in NZ that tooted, waved, cheered and helped us on along the way, You guys were amazing and I honestly can't thank you all enough. We all did something really amazing together here for all stroke survivors and it was a pleasure and super fun doing it with you."

Text: "stroke" to 5339 for a $3 donation.