2930km run raises $15,000 for Stroke Foundation

Wanaka's Jup Brown (orange vest) ends his New Zealand marathon run by parading with his father,...
Wanaka's Jup Brown (orange vest) ends his New Zealand marathon run by parading with his father, Ron, along a wharf in Auckland's Viaduct Basin yesterday, accompanied by run inspiration Nick Chisholm (left rear) and his wife Nicola on bikes. Photo by Rick Zwaan.
Wanaka plumber Jup Brown (38) has finished a 2930km run the length of New Zealand to raise more than $15,000 for the Stroke Foundation and support his Dunedin mate, Nick Chisholm, who has locked-in syndrome after a series of strokes 11 years ago.

The 67-day challenge ended at the Auckland Viaduct Basin at 3pm yesterday and Mr Brown said he would be "partying for a while".

The support team had to overcome a last-minute technical crisis yesterday to repair Mr Chisholm's bike so the men could finish together.

About 25 runners and walkers also joined Mr Brown on his final kilometres, while another 100 people waited at the finish.

Mr Brown also kayaked across Auckland Harbour because he was not able to run across the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

"It was huge. We smashed it. Everything went to plan."

Completing the challenge was an emotional experience, he said.

"I managed to hold it together not too bad but inside I was crying. It was pretty awesome to make it," he said.

Mr Brown could not believe how quickly the days had gone by and has already turned his mind to planning a multisport adventure to raise money for a school in Nepal.

"I just can't believe I just finished, because it did get easier. The first month, I thought it was such a long way to go. But now my fitness is awesome. I don't feel like I have just done the run. I could go running tomorrow but I don't have to run. I need to think of something else to do now," he said.

Mr Brown will return to Wanaka but plans to look for work in Australia and Japan in about two weeks.

Mr Brown said adventuring was "part of everyday life" and he was always working to travel.

"Staying in one place all the time is not really me. Perhaps that's why I don't have a girlfriend," he said.

About $15,000 has been raised so far and more is expected to come in now Mr Brown has finished the run.

"It is not a big number, but the awareness I've raised has been massive. I feel we've nailed that. I never had a goal for the money."

Fundraising continues by texting STROKE to 5339 ($3 donation) until November 30.

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