Golfers plan repeat run for charity

Media Release August 27, 2010

Golfers plan repeat run for charity

Undeterred by the aches and pains this week, New Zealand golf’s fittest foursome is already planning a 2011 follow-up to their recent Auckland to Wellington charity run.

Institute of Golf specialists Craig Dixon, Guy Wilson, Jonny Gladwell and Jamie Milne successfully completed their first 750km marathon relay outside the steps to Parliament at the weekend.

They raised almost $10,000 for their chosen charities – The Heart Foundation, the Child Cancer Foundation, the Cancer Society and Kidsline – and en-route also stopped off at a handful of primary schools to highlight the importance of fitness to young children and raise the awareness of the charities.

The Institute of Golf team says the marathon Many Miles for Mary event – named in honour of Milne’s late grandmother – has inspired them to pound the roads again next year for charity.

“It was an amazing experience for us all, not just in terms of the physical challenge, but also in the overwhelming support we had along the way,” says Wilson, who is a swing coach at the Institute’s Albany HQ.

“When we were hurting out there – and that happened on a regular basis believe me – it was our crew, sponsors and supporters who spurred us on. Without them, none of this would have been possible.

“It was a very small sacrifice for us, putting our bodies on the line for the week, going through a small amount of pain compared to what those suffering from the diseases that are associated with the charities we are running for.

“They’ve really given us the confidence to try again next year and raise even more money, while also spreading the message about fitness. After all, if four guys from golf can achieve something like this, hopefully it’s inspired others to get more active too.”

The Institute of Golf prides itself on providing a complete support network for players of every level, from technical swing coaching, to golf-specific physiotherapy, strength and conditioning and mind coaching. Its recent success stories at an elite level include Mike Hendry, Brad Shilton, Lydia Ko, Dominic Barson and Alex Tait, to name a few.

For more information on Many Miles for Mary and ways to donate, visit www.manymilesformary.co.nz

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