I Can I Will - is all about helping those with special needs, dream, believe and achieve their goals. We couldnt think of a better way to introduce our new ambassador from the Gold Coast, Sam Weir, but to accept his request to run as support crew and pacer to complete what is know as the toughest race in Australia, the GNW100 - Ultra Marathon. Although the route was primarily on hard mountainous foot tracks and muddy gulleys, the speed at which they came through was incredible. Each competitor had to find there way using maps and compasses. Many over the weekend lost their way only to back track and do more kms! The ultra marathon was just over 100 miles (173.2 kilometres) with more than 6,200 metres (20,000ft) of ascent (and descent). Many had to withdraw, deep respect. 2 members from I Can I Will flew down to Sydney as support crew, providing food, water, first aid and importantly motivational support at each checkpoint to help Sam complete this mammoth challenge. Our very own, Conan Visser, founder and president, ran as the pacer for last 4 sections of the race, running 81.5 kilometres (pacers leg was 73.3km) as Sam and Conan lost there way near the end. Both suffered agonising injuries with hours and hours of gruelling pain but they never gave up. We are so proud of their determination to succeed against all odds. Sam completed the whole 173.3 kilometres in under 30 hours with only 6 short checkpoint breaks! Inspirational achievement! Funny stories prevailed at each checkpoint from Sam falling asleep while running and Conan keeping him awake, seeing things in the dark that were not even there, mistaking a actual horse for a mechanical digger, falling face first while trying to take photos, asking for new legs at the checkpoint instead if food, dreaming of hotel room service and having to give each other pep talks during the highs and lows, while the hills and rocky creek beds seemed to never end. Sam is an inspirational young man, also an ambassador of legacy, who is passionate about the I Can I Will foundation and helping raise awareness of our organisation. We are very proud he has become an ambassador of I Can I Will showing true courage against all odds. Enjoy the photos of the weekend.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 22:05:29 +0000
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