The Road to 50km - Running Cancer Into the Ground

By Rupert Townsend

For Mum

In February my mum passed away from cancer. Like so many families, ours felt the weight of this disease far too closely. Losing her has made me reflect on how widespread cancer is. Nearly one in two people will be diagnosed by the age of 85. That’s a statistic that affects almost every family in some way.

In July I’ll attempt something that feels suitably ridiculous: running the SUM50 Ultra Marathon in Sydney which is 51 km long and has over 1,500m of elevation! I’ve never run a half marathon, let alone a marathon, so this feels like a suitably ambitious stretch goal.

For me, the journey is just as important as the race. I started training earlier this year and I’m slowly building toward July. By the time the event arrives there will have been around 1,000 kilometres of training, much of it out in nature. This is something Mum always loved.

This run is my way of turning grief into something positive. Pushing my own limits while helping support the fight to beat cancer through research and treatment.

If you’re able to support the cause with a donation, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every contribution helps move us closer to a future where far fewer families have to go through what so many do today.

With gratitude, 

Rupert 


My Updates

300 training kms complete this year

Wednesday 25th Mar
Id like to start with a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has helped me raise $1,170 so far. Id also like to say a heartfelt thanks to all the kind words of sympathy ive received as well as words of encouragement.

After a pretty sedentary last decade or so since quitting triathlons, its been a gruelling and humbling return to running! 

Over the last 303kms ive found my will is stronger than my tibias, and im begrudgingly learning to slow down and take it easy. Back to back runs are not possible (yet) and 2 to 3 runs a week is a perfectly acceptable number. Just being outside, moving, and slowly improving, is reward enough.

I hope to see you out on the trails soon! 

Thank you again.

Rupert

Thank you to my Supporters

$211

Rupert Townsend

$106.12

Laura Greenan

You can do anything you put your mind to! You're like a dark wizard in that way... :-P

$106.12

Ollie Salman

Good on ya mate

$106.12

Liz Mathews

Good Luck Rupert, your mum would be proud.

$100

Tanya Norton

$55.18

Thomas

A wild undertaking! Perfect fit for you mate. Good Luck!

$54.12

Matthew Ellison

$54.12

Christian Malouf

Your a legend mate! Typical you ALL IN! Did the same in memory of my dear old dad for the 24 CTS its a wondeful feeling. Good luck my friend and Fuck Camcer!

$54.12

Tobi Kingsley

Go get em tiger

$54.12

George Lamb

Awesome effort buddy. A charity and cause close to your heart. I know you’ll smash it 👊

$54.12

Malathi Kingsley

Commendable, all the best Rupert.

$54.12

David Tait

$54.12

Raj Pathak

You are doing amazing. Keep up the great work and finish strong

$54.12

Roger Chapman

$54.12

Natalie Wilson

Love, love, love that photo of you and your Mum Rupert. What a fitting and meaningful tribute to her and such a worthy cause. Well done and good luck!

$54.12

Yy Kwon

go the floppy hair

$50

Samantha Fergus

Best of luck! I’m sure you’ll do an incredible job and make a real impact. Remember to never miss a Sunday long run.

$27.83

Rob H

Good luck!!

$27.81

Bhaskaran V G

Great Rupert! Your Mom will be with you always. All the very best!! :-)

$25

Rob Burns

Good on you Rupert! Good luck and all the best