3 times round the rock

Canada’s very own marathon man Martin Parnell is preparing to run the Cook Islands Round Rarotonga Road Race on September 22 – three times.

During 2010 Parnell undertook a global marathon quest, running 250 full marathons (42.2 km) to raise over $320,000 for children’s charity Right To Play.

Now he is embarking on what he terms ”Cook Islands Quest 100“, to run the 32km annual Rarotonga road race just over three times to hit 100 km, the first time this has been done in the race’s 35-year history.

Parnell aims to raise an additional $25,000 for Right To Play and increase awareness in the Cook Islands of the importance of children having an active and healthy lifestyle.

Canadian travel company Downunder Travel Ltd will be sponsoring and arranging the man’s Cooks Quest100.

”We are truly honoured and humbled to travel with Martin and help him raise money for Right To Play,“ said Downunder managing director Jason Webb.

”He is a great ambassador for Canada and a fantastic advocate for children in sport all around the world.“

Webb, along with four other Canadians, will run with Parnell for the final 32 km stretch as part of the official race.

Parnell, aged 57, will spend one week in Rarotonga preparing for the race and visiting some local schools to educate and inspire children about the benefits of healthy living.

The keen runner and humanitarian has become widely recognised in North America as ”Canada’s Marathon Man“, with his newest objective to complete ten marathon quests in five years to raise CAD$1 million.

His efforts benefit Right To Play, an international humanitarian organisation that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world.

Read more about Parnell’s Cooks Quest 100 at www.downunder-travel.com/cooksquest100