Fundraising firefighter takes on Kepler Challenge

Think running the 60km Kepler Challenge mountain race through some of Fiordland’s most beautiful and demanding scenery is hard - how about doing it in full firefighting gear?

That’s the prospect facing Ashburton volunteer firefighter Sam Cullimore on Saturday (December 1) as he looks to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House South Island.

Cullimore will don his rural firefighting gear, including helmet, for one of New Zealand’s most challenging ultramarathons.

“One of the guys in my brigade, his family was helped out by Ronald McDonald House. He had a granddaughter diagnosed with cancer at six weeks old, so it was a pretty rough start for her, and Ronald McDonald were a big help to the family,” Cullimore said.

“I decided I needed to give something back to them. I do the Kepler anyway, I’ve done it a couple of times, I thought I might as well do it as a fundraiser with some firefighting gear on.”

Cullimore is anticipating a hard day out, especially trying to complete the course inside the 12-hour time limit.

“It’s going to be a tough day. I’ve done a marathon in the gear before and it is tough, it gets really hot, especially with the helmet on,” he said.

“It’s also quite motivating, you’ve got the gear on and you know why you are doing it, so it works both ways.”

Cullimore has received support from many quarters during his preparation for the December 1 race in Te Anau.

“I’ve got awesome support. People think I’m crazy, but they love that I’m doing it.”

Cullimore is anticipating the 1350m climb to the Luxmore Hut and beyond will be the most difficult part of the challenge.

“It will get really hot and really sweaty, that’s where I think I’m going to struggle the most.”

Reaching the finish line at the Lake Te Anau control gates and reaching for a cold beer will be something he will spend a lot of time thinking about during the race, Cullimore said.

If you are interested in supporting Cullimore’s challenge, go to his Fire the Kepler Givealittle page, https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/kepler-in-fire

The Fresh Choice Kepler Challenge has been running annually since 1988 and is one of New Zealand’s most-beloved mountain runs.