Kim Allan breaks World Record

Kim Allan breaks World Record

Kim Allan and around thirty friends and supporters crossed the 500km mark at 8.12 last night, the end of her heroic run to beat the women’s world record for distance without sleep. She completed 332 laps of the Sri Chimnoy Peace Mile in Auckland in 86 hours 11 minutes and 5 seconds, the new time to beat.

Mark Gray, the co-manager of Kim’s support team, who were with her every step of the way, said, “Last year nothing went her way and she only completed 375kms. To come back this year and do it is mind blowing. I just cannot get my head around it, it’s like dreaming.”

Although clearly exhausted, Kim was still able to thank the large crowd that had gathered to cheer on her victory, acknowledging her family, her support team and the New Zealand Spinal Trust, her designated charity. To the cheering crowd, an unsteady but smiling Kim said, “It’s been it’s own little world down here in the Domain and I’m going to miss it. But I’m really glad I’ve done it and don’t have to do it again.”

Carolynn Day from the New Zealand Spinal Trust was given the honour of holding one end of the finishing tape and was able to congratulate Kim personally immediately after the run. Ben Lucas, CEO of the Trust, was keeping tabs on Kim from Christchurch, “What an awesome effort! I’ve been keeping a close eye on her progress through her Facebook page and updates from Mark Gray. I’ll call her when she eventually wakes up!”

Claire Donachie, the friend who inspired Kim to make the Trust her beneficiary charity was delighted to receive the news in her Waiuku home last night. Her main concern was that Kim was OK and did not need a hospital check up like last year. Claire, who was thrown from a horse in 2012 and now uses a wheelchair, joined Kim for a lap on Saturday. “I don’t know many people who would put themselves through such a gruelling experience to raise money for people she doesn't know,” said Claire. “Kim knows how important it is to get people with spinal injuries back to as normal life as possible. Keeping the body and brain active helps with pain management and keeps the spirits up.

There’s now a suggestion to create an annual 24hour “Sleepless in Auckland Challenge” with a Kim Allan Cup awarded to the runner who completes the longest distance in the time.

People can congratulate Kim and donate by visiting www.everydayhero.co.nz and searching for ‘Sleepless in Auckland’
https://give.everydayhero.com/nz/sleepless-in-auckland-world-record-attempt-1

Follow Kim’s story on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ultrarunner.nz

ENDS

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