Fresh from being named Murray Bridge’s Citizen of the Year, local long-distance runner Kai Martin has pushed his body to the limit once again, raising more than $51,150 for domestic violence support and prevention services in the region.
He has now completed his 500-kilometre endurance challenge at Sturt Reserve, running a 1.7-kilometre loop repeatedly between Wednesday the 18th of February and this morning, stopping most evenings for a rest.
A support worker in the Murray Bridge region, Kai has previously shared that both he and his mother experienced family violence, something he says drives his determination to create change locally.
“With 1 goal, to raise 50k to help my community on the issue of domestic violence,” he wrote on his Kai’s Run for DV 2 fundraising page.
“I want to see a world free from abuse and violence, because everyone deserves to feel safe, to feel loved, and to be happy. Especially in their own homes.”
The challenge intensified on the final night, when he made the decision to continue running through rather than rest, powering through fatigue to complete the full 500 kilometres.
It follows his extraordinary effort running the 324-kilometre Lavender Federation Trail from Clare to Murray Bridge in just three days and raising $67,000.
The funds will go toward domestic violence prevention and support initiatives, in agreement with the Murray Bridge Regional Collaboration on Violence Against Women and Children. He is also establishing his own charity organisation Kai’s Run for DV.
The effort has further cemented his reputation as not only an elite endurance athlete, but a tireless advocate for those affected by violence in the home.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe,” he said.
Donate to the cause and find out more: https://www.mycause.com.au/page/386324/kais-run-for-dv-2.
