Kurt Northausen is strapping up his laces, ready to run 20km each day for 20 days straight, all in the name of cancer support. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
As many good ideas do, Tongala’s Kurt Northausen’s idea to run 20km every day for 20 days straight came to him in the shower.
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Looking to make a positive impact, Mr Northausen will run 420km in the name of cancer research and support.
Kicking off on Monday, August 11, a slight miscalculation means he will actually complete 21 days of running when he finishes on Sunday, August 31.
“I was in the shower,” Mr Northausen said.
“I had been trying to think of something to do for quite a while, but 20km for 20 days actually rung.
“The 11th to the 31st, it equals 20, but it’s actually 21 days.
“I’m doing the bonus day, so why not make it 420km, up from 400.”
All funds raised in the process will be split between the Echuca Regional Health Cancer and Wellness Centre and Cancer Council Victoria.
These beneficiaries are particularly meaningful to Mr Northausen.
“I know people that are currently going here (to ERH Cancer and Wellness Centre) ... it’s such an incredible centre,” he said.
“The reason why I wanted to split the funds between the two was (because) it’s good to help this side and the research side.
“The more research that can be done, the better.”
Mr Northausen’s motivation comes from seeing loved ones impacted by cancer, hoping to fund research into cancer prevention and treatment, as well as care and support for those going through it.
“My nan passed away from cancer,” he said.
“I’ve known friends, family, workmates that have passed away, and it felt like there was nothing that really could be done.
“I know there’s lots of places that are really working hard to do things ... and I want to try and make a good impact because we’re only here for a very, very small amount of time.”
The Tongala runner will make his way around the region for the fundraiser.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Along his 420km route, Mr Northausen — who is an experienced ultramarathon runner — will be joined by his tight-knit running community.
He will also happily welcome any others every weekend of his mammoth run, especially at the finish line.
“I want to get as many people as possible to come and run,” Mr Northausen said.
“On weekends I’m going to do location runs and on the Sunday (August 31), I’m going to finish here at ERH.”
Mr Northausen is planning on sharing the love around the region for his weekend events, including completing the Echuca and Shepparton half-marathons, running the Murchison-Rushworth Rail Trail and paying a visit to Girgarre and Stanhope.
During the week as he balances full-time work and being a dad, fitting in 20km a day looks like 4.30am starts in Tonny, with Mr Northausen preparing to brave sub-zero temperatures.
“It’s going to be a juggle, but it’s nothing that we can’t handle,” he said.
“My wife is super supportive, I definitely couldn’t do it without her.”
Mr Northausen has also received support from Tongala’s GTS Farm Supplies, which has stepped up as a major sponsor.
Inspired by the tagline ‘steps towards stomping out cancer’, he is ready to hit the ground running, literally, and encourages the community to get involved, too.
“Come help me stomp out cancer,” Mr Northausen said.
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