The Run
13 days. Wellington to Auckland. A goal of raising $50,000 for MITEY.
From 7–19 December 2026, I'll be running from Wellington to Auckland, covering around 50 kilometres a day before finishing on the field at Eden Park.
Along the way, I'll stop at schools, rugby clubs and communities to talk with young people about challenges, mental health and what helps us through difficult times. Local legends and familiar faces will join me to share their own experiences, with some returning to the communities where they grew up.
At our school visits, students will hear those stories, ask questions and join me for a lap before sending me off on the next stretch. I want them to see that the people they look up to have faced tough times too, and that asking for support is part of getting through.
With a support crew alongside me and daily updates capturing the journey, there will be plenty of ways to get involved. Join me for a few kilometres, come along to a community stop, share the story or make a donation. Every bit of support helps us reach more people and work towards our $50,000 goal.
Day 01: Wellington to Paraparaumu
Day one begins with the Karori Normal School launch, where Harry will set off with the support of the school community before heading north along State Highway 1 to Paraparaumu.
At 59 km, the opening leg is about 17 km longer than a full marathon, and it's only the first step in 13 days of running for young people's mental wellbeing.
Karori Normal School · Wellington Rugby legends

Day 02: Paraparaumu to Levin
Day two is 46 km from Paraparaumu to Levin, heading north through the Kāpiti Coast and into Horowhenua.
After an opening day longer than a marathon, this is about showing up again: tired legs, another stretch of State Highway 1, and another chance to start conversations about young people's mental wellbeing. By Levin, Harry will have covered 105 km, about two and a half marathons.
Paraparaumu Beach School · Dane Coles

Day 03: Levin to Bulls
Day three is 59 km from Levin to Bulls, carrying Harry north through Horowhenua and towards the Rangitīkei.
By the time he reaches Bulls, Harry will have covered 164 km in three days, nearly four marathons.
Taitoko School · Carlos Spencer

Day 04: Bulls to Mangaweka
Day four takes Harry 60 km from Bulls to Mangaweka through the heart of the Rangitīkei. By the finish, he'll have covered 224 km in four days, more than five marathons, with the rolling roads testing already tired legs.
Every step north carries the kaupapa into another community and opens conversations about young people's mental wellbeing.
Bulls School · Glen Osborne

Day 05: Mangaweka to Waiouru
What to expect?
Day five carries Harry 50 km from Mangaweka to Waiouru, through Taihape, as the road grows hillier and the climbs become tougher. Reaching Waiouru will bring his total to 274 km, more than six marathons in five days.
The challenge now is not just covering the distance, but recovering, resetting and finding the strength to do it all again for young people's mental wellbeing.
Day 06: Waiouru to Rangipō
Day six takes Harry 55 km from Waiouru to Rangipō across the Central Plateau, where higher elevation, exposed roads and unpredictable conditions add a new dimension to the challenge. By day's end, he'll have covered 329 km, nearly eight marathons in six days.
The vast landscape is a reminder that even when the road ahead feels enormous, progress is made one step at a time.
NZ Army

Day 07: Rangipō to Taupō
What to expect?
Day seven carries Harry 57 km from Rangipō to Taupō, through Tūrangi and along the lake, with the exposed volcanic landscape keeping the challenge unpredictable.
During this stage, he'll pass the halfway point of the entire run. By Taupō, Harry will have covered 386 km, more than nine marathons in one week, with 323 km still ahead.
Day 08: Taupō to Tokoroa
Day eight is a 55 km test from Taupō to Tokoroa. With seven days already in his legs, this stretch will be as much about patience and recovery as endurance.
Reaching Tokoroa will bring Harry's total to 441 km, more than ten marathons in eight days.
Hilltop School

Day 09: Tokoroa to Arapuni
Day nine takes Harry 55 km from Tokoroa through the rolling Waikato countryside to Arapuni. With more than 400 km already behind him, the physical toll is building, but the finish is beginning to feel closer.
By Arapuni, Harry will have covered 496 km, nearly twelve marathons, with four days and 213 km remaining.
Tokoroa Intermediate · Keven Mealamu

Day 10: Arapuni to Tamahere
Day ten carries Harry 52 km from Arapuni to Tamahere through the heart of the Waikato. Along the way, he'll pass the 500 km milestone.
By Tamahere, Harry will have covered 548 km, thirteen marathons, with three days and 161 km remaining.
Hautapu Rugby Club

Day 11: Tamahere to Huntly
Day eleven pushes Harry 52 km from Tamahere to Huntly. With Auckland drawing closer, every kilometre now feels like part of the final countdown.
By the finish, Harry will have covered 600 km, more than fourteen marathons, with 109 km and two days remaining.
Taniwharau · Tawera Nikau

Day 12: Huntly to Pukekohe
What to expect?
On the penultimate day, Harry runs 54 km from Huntly to Pukekohe. The city is finally in sight, but after eleven consecutive days, this stage will still demand everything.
By Pukekohe, Harry will have covered 654 km, more than fifteen marathons, with 55 km between him and Eden Park.
Day 13: Pukekohe to Eden Park
Day thirteen brings Harry home. The final 55 km takes him from Pukekohe through Onehunga to Eden Park. After twelve days on the road, the finish line is finally in sight.
Reaching Eden Park will complete 709 km, nearly seventeen marathons, in thirteen days. The run ends here, but the mission for young people's mental wellbeing continues.
Eden Park · Blues Rugby Players




