A year after completing a remarkable 210 kilometre fundraising run, Sport Tasman chief executive Ed Shuttleworth is lacing up again, this time for one of the country’s most intimidating ultramarathons, to support Nelson Tasman Hospice.
Ed will tackle the Northburn 100 miler in Otago in March, a brutal 161 kilometre race with more than 10,000 metres of elevation. It is both a personal test and a continuation of his commitment to fundraising for hospice care, a cause he says has only grown closer to his heart.
“Nelson Tasman Hospice do such an amazing job. There hasn’t been a month since the run and Dancing for a Cause where I haven’t been into hospice to see them. It’s only deepened my commitment. I feel incredibly lucky to know them, so this is another chance to put my hand up to help.”
Ed’s effort sits within the Hands Up for Hospice community campaign, which encourages locals to create their own fundraising events. Although most events run in May, Ed hopes his early effort will help build momentum.
“Hands Up just seems like a really cool group thing. It’s not about raising one huge amount. But if everyone can raise $20 or $50, it creates momentum. I’d encourage anyone to do something you’re already doing, like a dinner, or a game of golf with mates, and just have fun with it.”
For the experienced ultra runner, this year’s Northburn is also a chance at redemption. It is the only race he has attempted but not completed. Branded the toughest ultra in the southern hemisphere, Ed made it to 110 kilometres, or just over 68 miles, in 2021 before calling it a day.
“Northburn is so tough because with 10,000 metres of uphill, there’s 10,000 of downhill, and the downhill is what kills your quads. Last time I got to the end of the second lap, and I just couldn’t face heading out again.”
Ed sees ultrarunning as both a physical and emotional challenge, a puzzle he must constantly assess and solve while he is out on course.
“I look at runs as a bit of a jigsaw. What’s happening? Is there a problem? And if so, how do I solve it? In 2021 at Northburn I spotted a weakness in myself in that when I got to the end of the second lap, I just couldn’t face heading out again and leaving the nice safe space of base camp. So the next race I signed up for was a 100 miler of straight 10 km loops, so I continually had to leave that safe space over and over again.”
He says those lessons translate directly into everyday life.
“It makes you realise, that if you’re willing to put yourself out there, what you can actually achieve. I find that the most useful tool to bring back to life. There’s no way you do this kind of thing without shedding peripheries and having total focus on your priorities. It also shows that even though it’s a ridiculous goal, with enough focus you can accomplish anything.”
Ed’s upcoming attempt marks a full circle moment. His first crack at Northburn in 2021 was also a fundraiser, that time for Victory Boxing.
“It was the first time I’d used running as a vehicle to help the community, so to be able to come back, this time for Nelson Hospice, is a nice feeling.”
Last year, Ed and his NBS Dancing for a Cause team raised more than $80,000, with his 210 kilometre run from Farewell Spit to Nelson Tasman Hospice leading into the two night dance event at the Trafalgar Centre. He and dance partner Brooke Silke Atkins won the people’s choice award for their tango, though Ed says his dancing days are behind him.
“No more dancing for me. Noone wants to pay to see me step on toes again.”
To donate to Ed’s cause, visit Givealittle here.
To create your own fundraising idea, visit handsupforhospice.org.nz
