Melbourne mates Dylan Vowles and Josh Kennedy will run from Melbourne to Echuca over six days in memory of Shane Maher, the father of close friend Nick who passed away in January 2021 following a seven-year battle with lymphoma.
The run was postponed in September last year, but an update issued by Vowles and Kennedy confirmed an April 10 start with the run scheduled to conclude on April 16.
“It was a very hard decision to postpone the run last year,” an announcement read.
“It was super important to share this with all of those who have supported us throughout this journey, especially the family and our sponsors.
“We can’t wait to have everyone at the finish line cheering us on.
“We have a big few months of training, planning, and preparation ahead and can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Stride 4 Shane is also carrying out fundraising efforts for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.
Efforts have so far raised more than $5000 for the cause, and Vowles said the support from far and wide had been amazing.
“So many people have reached out and been in touch with us, people that Josh and I don’t necessarily know as well as people connected to the family in one way or another,” he said.
“We’ve raised the $5000 through the foundation page but we’ve also raised a fair bit through sponsorships as well.
“We’re hoping to achieve $20,000, that’s our big goal.
“For us, the dollar value is just a bonus on top. It’s more about spreading the message and creating awareness for families who go through cancer, and obviously supporting the (Olivia Newton-John) centre.”
The route is set to take Vowles and Kennedy through Riddells Creek, Lancefield, Heathcote, Toolleen and Rochester before crossing into Echuca on April 16.
With seven days to run about 200km, both men will need to tick off nearly 30km a day.
And with such distances to cover, Vowles says it’s now about getting back into the pair’s running preparation.
“We’ve just got to get ourselves back in shape now,” Vowles said.
“Josh and I were working pretty hard last year getting our bodies ready, and once we postponed it we sort of took a bit of a break.
“It’s just about getting the body right and getting into the training.”
For information about the run, visit Stride 4 Shane on Facebook or donate at bit.ly/3dBxiBo
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