Megan Costello is charging across 50 kilometres this March and she has the shin splints to prove it.
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“I usually run about 25 kilometres each month, so for me 50 kilometres is a big step up,” Ms Costello said.
Ms Costello is covering ground with coworkers from Forestry Corporation Batemans Bay for the March Charge against cancer.
The Cancer Council runs the event to raise funds for cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support services.
“You don’t have to run,” Ms Costello said.
“You just have to do something active that is measurable; it could be lifting weights or riding your bike to work.”
“One of our team, Kate Haloton, is riding her BMX 70 kilometers, and Lee Backhouse is walking her dog 100 kilometers,” she said.
The Forestry Corporation staff are pretty fit – good fitness was necessary to be deemed eligle for firefighting duties.
However, Ms Costello said the event was open to everyone.
“The give you a guide – if you are a beginner they tell you the type of target to set,” she said.
But for the very fit, the goals were serious.
“For advanced athletes they suggest doing 350 kilometers for the month,” Ms Costello said.
Over six and a half thousand people across Australia have registered for the event and have raised almost half a million dollars so far.
“The target for our team is $2000,” Ms Costello said.
The team have already raised nearly $900 dollars.
“I would be thrilled if we get to $2000 but it would be even better to beat that,” she said.
“I am going to aim high.”
It’s not only physical activity – some gentle persuasion was required to bring the funds in.
“As I reach each milestone, I just tag family and friend on Facebook and tell them ‘Okay people, come and get on board, I need to you to donate’.”
Ms Costello has a lot of extra motivation this year. A coworker’s family member had cancer requiring major surgery, a cousin had her ovaries removed and some friends’ young daughter was diagnosed with a tumour.
“We have kids the same age and it is tough to see what our friends are going through,” Ms Costello said.
“Doing stuff like this is important, so there is support for the families, like my friends with their young daughter.”
