Auckland Running Coach Dedicates 200th Marathon to Gut Cancer Foundation

On Sunday 30 October, running coach Kiri Price is set to complete her 200th marathon at the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon.

The Aucklander from Forrest Hill will dedicate the run to Kiwis impacted by gut cancers, raising money and awareness for the Gut Cancer Foundation.

Kiri has been supporting the charity for several years after her best friend's husband passed away from bowel cancer within six months of being diagnosed. Unfortunately, she’s had several close family members and some of her dearest friends affected by cancer.

“Three years ago my best friend’s husband was diagnosed with bowel cancer, no symptoms, a fit and healthy rugby playing man, just 56 years old. He passed away six months later. It was a huge shock and it also highlighted how fragile life is. My grandmother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and a few very close friends have also been through a cancer journey, so I’m thrilled to be able to use this milestone to raise funds that will go towards vital research, awareness and patient support,” said Kiri.

Kiri has raised nearly $2,000 and is hoping that figure will continue to grow over the next few weeks.

“I choose the Gut Cancer Foundation because I’ve been working with Sue Beuvink, who used to be with the Cancer Society, over the past few years supporting the charity runners. Through this association I’m well aware of just how far the money that’s raised goes and what an amazing difference it can make,” she said.

The 54-year-old took up running because of her dad, inspired by watching him race as she was growing up. Kiri completed her first marathon in Rotorua in 1997, but it wasn’t until six years and three children later that she ran her second – the Auckland Marathon.

“I started running because of my dad. I grew up with my dad running marathons and going to watch and support him, and now my dad is my biggest supporter. There are so many reasons why I’ve kept going and done so many, I’ve got a very supportive husband and kids,” said Kiri.

“My passion became my job, I love what I do, I’ve been a running coach for over 12 years at AUT Millennium, I’ve been a member of the Auckland YMCA Marathon Club for 19 years and the camaraderie and support there is incredible. I’ve also made some amazing friends along the way and shared so many adventures with them. A few years ago I did eight marathons in eight days with my four bestest running buddies, it’s very much a team effort.”

Kiri has completed 16 Auckland Marathons to date, and the 2022 event will be the fourth time she’s run it as an official pacer.

“I’m really excited. It’s been a challenging few years what with COVID and all the cancellations and uncertainly with events, plus I’ve had a few setbacks along the way so I am very grateful to be able to do this,” she said.

“When you’re working as a pacer you’re doing a job, you’re representing the marathon, and you’re representing your running club. I take it very seriously and endeavour to do the best I can on the day. That’s what it’s all about, it’s not your day, you’re there to run a well-paced marathon, help others and give them a good experience. I’ve run many marathons for me, I can’t run as fast as I used to and I’m not worried about finishing times anymore, but I do enjoy being able to give back to a sport that has given me so much.”

Kiri has completed many of her milestones at the iconic Auckland event, including her 10th, 20th, 50th, and personal best marathon. She says the event has been a huge part of her life and is befitting of her 200th marathon.

“I love the familiarity of the course, I know every step, every hill, every k, it’s at home on roads I run regularly. It’s easy to get to, and easy to get home from, and it’s also very well organised. Being such a large event you also see so many people you know, both on the course and out there supporting. The out and back along Tāmaki Drive is awesome as you get to see those out front and those behind.

“Auckland Marathon is special to me, I ran my second marathon there in 2003, and haven’t really stopped marathoning since – so almost 20 years. I also ran my PB at Auckland,” said Kiri.

It's been 25 years since Kiri’s first marathon, and 19 since her first Auckland Marathon. Sunday 30 October will be an emotional day for Kiri, one she can’t wait to share it with her friends and family.

“My husband, kids and their partners are all doing the 11km Traverse which is fantastic. My parents, sister and friends will be at the finish line too,” she said.

“I remember crossing the finish line on my 100th, it was the most unbelievable day, and it didn’t sink in for weeks that I’d actually managed to achieve that goal. I think it’ll be the same this time, lots of purple – my favourite colour – and lots of hugs, and like last time, I’ll keep running. ‘Do what you can with what you’ve got’ is my favourite mantra,” said Kiri.

To support Kiri and donate to the Gut Cancer Foundation visit https://aucklandmarathon2022.grassrootz.com/gut-cancer-foundation/kiri-price