A 10 year old sports fanatic is about to embark on his fourth back-to-back Long Run, with the goal of smashing out something very few people will achieve in their life time.
First, let’s wind it back and see what our Long Run Legend Ari Mahony has achieved already.
In 2022, 7 year old Ari ran nine laps of Rugby and Malvern Parks with his good mate Aaron Webb (aka Webby), the man who is deemed responsible for this lustrous annual event. Each lap equates to approximately one kilometre, so the 9km total was already an outstanding effort.
In 2023 Ari returned, aged 8, smashing out thirty laps throughout the day. That’s 30kms under his belt, along with a phenomenal $3,650 raised for the Child Cancer Foundation, with the added determination that this year he was running for a school mate who had received cancer treatment and ‘kicked cancers butt’ according to Ari.
One year on and Ari arrived more prepared than ever. Having inspired his rugby team, the Christchurch Football Club Sharks, they joined his side and raised a total of $6139. Those there on the day witnessed the unbelievable achievement of Ari running 47 laps and many of his team mates also completing full marathons throughout the day..
Now the 2025 Long Run is in sight, Ari has announced he’s bringing back the CFC Sharks, as well as encouraging his touch and cricket teams and anyone else he can find along the way! Not content with being an absolute legend already with his willpower and inspiring others to join him, Ari has his heart set on running an Ultra Marathon on January 24th – 60kms!
“The Long Run is a special event that we’re incredibly proud of, not only because it raises funds for a worthy cause, but because it brings our community together” said Kirsty Brown, Crusaders General Manager - Community, “Ari is a true legend of the Long Run. While his determination and achievements are phenomenal, it’s the fact that, like Webby, he is inspiring his family, teammates and classmates to join him that stands out. Encouraging them to smash their own goals and raise funds for something bigger than themselves. That’s what ‘Crusading with Heart’ is all about.”
Join Ari and get involved in the Long Run 2025! Register here and set your own fundraising goal, or get behind Ari by donating to his efforts for the Child Cancer Foundation here
If you know of another Long Run Legend like Ari, we would love to hear from you. Drop us a note at Crusadewithheart@crusaders.co.nz
