Kody Lees, Mattia Curry, Nedd Brockmann and Jordy Bruton were all smiles following the end of the Rochester Runners fifth day.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Australian ultramarathon runner Nedd Brockmann stopped by Rochester on Friday, October 24 to run alongside three local men who have taken up Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge.
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NUC challenges Australians to step outside their comfort zones and take on something personally uncomfortable over 10 days, from Monday, October 20 to Wednesday, October 29.
For the ‘Rochy Runners’ challenge, local teammates Mattia Curry, Jordy Bruton and Kody Lees committed to running 21km a day for 10 consecutive days.
The runners were welcomed at the Rochester Skate Park by cheering students and members of the local community at the end of their fifth day.
Rochy Runner Mattia Curry said they were appreciative of the support.
“It feels so good, we’re nearly done, we’re halfway through and the amount of support we’ve had has been so awesome,” he said.
“It’s definitely been harder than we thought. I think the waking up and the mental side of it. We’re at a point, fitness wise, where we can do it, but it’s just getting through the pain.”
Rochy Runners finish their fifth day on a high note.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
After Mr Bruton came across Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge, he rallied Mr Curry and Mr Lees to join him.
The trio have been preparing for the challenge since early in the year, coming together every Sunday to run together and train.
With the challenge now here, the runners have started their days at 2.30am before setting off on their runs at around 3.30am.
They aim to complete their 21km at around 5.30am each day, leaving enough time to jump in an ice bath before getting ready for work.
So far, they have raised $2565 for We are Mobilise, a charity that aims to help those experiencing homelessness.
With Mr Brockmann stopping by on Friday during his road trip around Australia to meet fellow challengers, the trio received a renewed burst of motivation to finish the challenge strong.
Mr Brockmann said visiting communities such as Rochester as part of the NUC road trip has been special for him.
“We’re on the road trip now, so it’s cool to be able to (pass through) Rochester and get around the kids and get around the boys who are doing my uncomfortable challenge,” he said.
“Seeing little communities like Rochester, like Bendigo, like other places, coming together has been really cool because ... they’re all uniting for one big thing, so that’s very special.
“I’m very inspired by anyone taking it on and raising those funds for people who need it.”
As of Friday, October 24, challengers around Australia have raised over $850,000 for We are Mobilise.
To support the Rochy Runners directly in their challenge, visit tinyurl.com/mr33mmr4
Students from Rochester Primary School, Rochester Secondary School and Nanneella Estate Primary School were excited to meet Nedd Brockmann and the Rochy Runners.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
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