A scottish set builder living in Australia, Craig Turpin, completed a seven-day, 480-plus kilometre run around Viti Levu on November 9 to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS in Fiji.
He started around November 3 from Nadi, running towards the Kings Road and making a full circle right back through the Queens Road completing his run at Nadi Airport on November 9.
A GoFundMe drive, which closes on December 1, has surpassed its initial goal, reaching $US10,000 and counting. The highest contributor will be awarded the shirt Mr Turpin wore during the run.
The proceeds will go towards non-government organisations within Fiji to support grassroots education and awareness, particularly among the youth.
The 38-year-old is from Leadhills, Scotland and Mr Turpin has been travelling back and forth to Fiji.
“I’ve been back and forth to Fiji for the past three years now, doing some work for set building and I fell in love with the country and I love to run so I’ve always wanted to give something back to the country and then I heard all about the issue of AIDS here.”
Mr Turpin reported covering more than 480 km in seven days and described the demanding conditions.
“The most challenging section was Nabukadra, where within 20km, the elevation was over 1000 metres, it was a gravel road and the hills were just so steep which is basically like running up a hill and I’d already done 40km beforehand.”
Despite the physical toll which required him to go to the hospital on the last day before his final 70 kilometres, he was strengthened by community support.
“But what I did enjoy was when you were at your lowest or you felt you were at your lowest, there would just be somebody around to pick you back up.
“It really makes you want to do it because you realise how nice the kids and stuff are. It’s just such an amazing country. Every single person you meet they shout ‘Bula’ to you.
“They’ve not got a clue who you are, they don’t know anything about you, but they will still be the friendliest people.”
