A remarkable feat has been achieved by 37-year-old Emma Timmis, who has broken the world record for running the entire length of New Zealand. She completed the 1,300-mile journey from Cape Reinga to Bluff in just over 20 days, surpassing the previous record by a staggering two weeks!
Despite scorching temperatures and the physical toll of running on roads, Emma managed to cover approximately 62 miles (100 km) each day. She described the experience as “damaging” due to the challenging conditions. However, her determination to raise money for charity kept her going.
Emma, originally from Derby, ran the length of New Zealand in support of a charitable cause, and she has already raised an impressive £15,000. Her goal was to complete around 100 km per day, and although she faced obstacles in the beginning, she made up for it by exceeding the daily target towards the end of her journey.
One of the most incredible aspects of Emma’s achievement was the immense support she received from all across the country. People she had never met before started following her progress, some even running alongside her for parts of the way. Families and children cheered her on from the ends of driveways, while others stopped their cars with banners on the side of the road to show their support. The overwhelming encouragement left Emma absolutely blown away.
Emma set off on December 18th and crossed the finish line on January 7th. This is not the first time Emma has broken records with her running. In 2011, she ran 1,500 miles across South Africa, followed by crossing the entire continent of Africa in 2014.
Running has been Emma’s passion since she was 12 years old and part of the Derby Ladies Athletics club in England. It has always been her go-to activity for moments of reflection and to be in nature, surrounded by hills and forests. The mental benefits running provides have always brought her happiness.
The previous New Zealand record was set in 2020 by Welsh woman Menna Evans. Emma’s incredible accomplishment has not only made history but also raised funds for UK children’s mental health charity Young Minds Trust and New Zealand charity YouthLine. She has garnered nearly £3,300 in the UK and close to $24,000 (£12,000) in New Zealand.
