In 2014 I have set a goal of completing 50 half marathons to raise money and awareness for UNICEF

Half marathons completed: 50 out of 50 - done it! Such an awesome feeling. Thanks for all your help, support, and encouragement. If you haven't already, do consider donating to UNICEF via the website. Thanks again. Cheers! John 

About UNICEF

UNICEF conducts projects throughout the world to improve the lives of children in the most dire need of support. Work ranges from emergency relief to educational assistance to reuniting families and many other forms of help. Here is a link to the UNICEF website:

http://www.unicef.org.au/

...the stories in there can explain the work that they do far better than I can. Your support and donations are very much appreciated by me, but far more importantly by children and families in need.

About the challenge 

For every $100 dollars raised UNICEF can provide enough vaccine to prevent more than 350 children from getting measles, or enough therapeutic food to bring 15 malnourished children back to health. There are so many great charities to support; I thought that this was one where even raising a small amount of money can make a big difference.

In terms of the half marathons, I will be doing a mix of events and long runs. All runs will be timed and distances recorded on my GPS watch (a half marathon is 21.1kms). Although I have done half marathons before, 50 half marathons is far, far more than I have run in a year and so there is a high degree of personal challenge. Illness and injuries will be some of the main worries through the year.

About me

In the last couple of years I have done a few half marathons - like many I got bitten by the running bug when it became obvious that exercise needed to take a more prominent role in my life. I started from a low base: my first goal was to run for 10 minutes without stopping or collapsing in a heap! I am still a bit of a plodder but, spurred on by the good work of UNICEF and your support, I am determined to give the challenge a go.

I live happily in Melbourne with my partner and two kids (aged 6 and 9).