Student Will Run 21 Half-Marathons in 21 Days

Media release
7 July 2012

University Student Will Run 21 Half-Marathons in 21 Days for Charity

Since June 19, Fraser Ellis, a 20-year-old accounting student at the University of Otago, has been running a half marathon every day to raise much-needed funds for The Starship Foundation.

Ellis decided one day while he was out running to give himself a challenge of completing 21 half-marathons in 21 days during the Otago University semester break.

Fraser chose to support The Starship Foundation, with funds raised from his inspiring efforts, after seeing and hearing about the difference the organisation makes to children and families in New Zealand.

Ellis has almost reached $4,000 in funds raised but aims to triple that figure by Monday when he completes his 21st and final half marathon.

"The support I've received so far from the public, my family and friends and sponsors like KFC has been amazing and I am so thrilled that people have sogenerously donated to the cause," Ellis said.

Upon hearing about the keen runner's heroic intentions from Ellis' father, Grant Ellis, CFO at Restaurant Brands, General Manager of KFC, Brent Kitto said:

"We were so impressed with Fraser's commitment to running 21 half marathons andraising funds for The Starship Foundation that we really wanted to help him to achieve his goals. While plenty of 20 year olds are relaxing during their university break, Fraser was thinking of ways that he could make a real difference in the community. It's an incredibly inspirational mindset and along with Fraser's parents we are extremely proud of what he's already achieved.

"The team at KFC has and will be right behind Fraser every step of the way and we've been increasing our donation amount every day while he's been getting closer to his 21 day goal."

"Starship is a charity for kids and kids love to get dressed up, especially during the school holidays. We'd love to see runners, walkers and supporters come out to cheer on Fraser in an array of their favourite dress-up costumes, from Spiderman to Madonna and everything in between, let's see if we can have a colourful display of crazy costumes on Monday afternoon”, says Kitto.

It's such a special event that Colonel Sanders, KFC's iconic character, will be running the last stretch with Ellis too.

To donate to Fraser Ellis' 21 half-marathons in 21 days for Starship cause, please visit http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/FraserEllis

Fraser's final half-marathon will start at 12.00pm (midday) at Starship Hospital on Monday, July 9, and finish at KFC Quay St at approximately 2.00pm. Supporters, runners and walkers are welcome to join in at any point of the run, supporters are encouraged to watch and cheer on Fraser from the Tamaki Drive waterfront.

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