WA Runner Conquers 24 Parkruns in 24 Hours Effortlessly
A remarkable achievement unfolded in Albany, Western Australia, where local parkrunner Ben Castlehow completed 24 parkruns in 24 hours. This effort, equivalent to running three marathons, also served a greater purpose by raising funds for charity.
Details of the 24 Parkruns in 24 Hours Challenge
The event took place from Saturday morning at 8 AM to the following day at the same time. Castlehow tackled the challenging Mount Clarence parkrun, renowned for its hilly terrain. He ran a total distance of 120 kilometers.
- Event Duration: 24 hours
- Total Distance: 120 kilometers
- Parkrun Length: 5 kilometers each
The Purpose Behind the Run
Castlehow aimed to support On My Feet, a charity that assists individuals experiencing homelessness. His own journey with homelessness was rooted in past struggles, including addiction.
“About eight years ago, I left Albany due to poor decisions. On My Feet helped me regain my life,” Castlehow remarked.
Inspiration from Young Runners
Joining Castlehow in this demanding endeavor was 12-year-old Jackson Beeck. Known for participating in the Mount Clarence parkrun weekly, Beeck completed enough laps to match the marathon distance of 42.2 kilometers.
- Jackson’s Age: 12 years
- Previous Longest Run: Less than a marathon
“The first half was easy, but it got progressively difficult,” he admitted, indicating the physical challenges he faced.
More Runners, More Challenges
This inspiring event was not isolated. Another runner, Keeton Hardwick, attempted a similar challenge in Bunbury, about 300 kilometers away. He also completed 24 parkruns in 24 hours, running laps around Big Swamp.
- Location: Bunbury, WA
- Charity Supported: Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre
Hardwick described the experience as a significant test of both physical endurance and mental resilience.
Final Thoughts
The 24 park runs in 24 hours challenge is not just about the distance covered; it embodies the spirit of community, resilience, and the drive to make a difference. Through their efforts, both Castlehow and Hardwick inspire others to pursue their fitness goals while contributing to worthwhile causes.
