Some would say running the Marathon des Sables - one of the world's most gruelling foot races - with hamstring tendonitis is lunacy.
But for Tokona, the 230km marathon across the Sahara Desert, run in six stages over seven days, was an important fundraising mission that he felt bound to complete.
He wanted to raise $50,000 for the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, in Wellington, which conducts research into cures or vaccines for diseases and conditions such as arthritis, asthma and cancer.
In the build-up to the ultra-endurance race, Tokona and Wellington running buddy Greig Rightford completed five marathons in five days earlier this year - one each in Dunedin, Christchurch, Auckland, Rotorua and Wellington.
''I'm glad to announce that after nearly two and a-half years of build-up, five races ranging from a half-marathon to a 100km run, throw in completing a 150km run on a treadmill in 12 hours and completing five marathons in five days earlier this year, Greig and I finally got to compete and finish the toughest foot race in the world last week.''
Tokona said 1024 competitors from 50 nations began the race and despite the injury setbacks and limited training time, he and Rightford finished in the top 100.
''Greig finished 62nd overall and I finished 75th overall. It was the hardest event we've ever taken part in.
''The temperatures got as high as 54degC on the longest day, with the average temperature around the low 40s.
''The event was shortened to 230km this year but the outlay and terrain of the course was much harder.
''Several people who have done the event multiple times ... mentioned this was the hardest Marathon des Sables that they had ever done.''
In the process, they raised about $32,000 for the Malaghan Institute.
Tokona said he was now forcing himself to take a break from running, but it would not be the end of his running career.
''We literally gave our shoes away after the race. With regards to running, we are taking a few months out and looking at a few overseas events.
''I'm thinking of running the Great Wall of China in the next two years.''
