This year at the 2022 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon we will have over 200 people running or walking in support of Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai. The money raised through the Auckland Marathon will support the Mission’s vital, life-changing services for Aucklanders in greatest need and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who is taking part.

Samuel Harvie will be our youngest runner so we asked him what inspired him to participate this year.

A brief background on Samuel:

Hi, I am Sam. I am in Year 4 at St Mary’s Catholic School Ellerslie. I like cricket, basketball, reading, gaming, swimming and playing with my brother and sister and my friends.

What prompted you to participate in the marathon this year?

My school is entering a team into the kids marathon and I thought I would join in because I like running and so does my Dad. We get to go to school early two mornings each week to practice and add up our kms. Also a few of my friends are doing it. Then Mum told me I could support a charity and I thought that would be cool.

Why did you decide to run for the Mission?

I chose the Auckland City Mission because sometimes I see homeless people in Auckland and I feel sad for them. I’m lucky to sleep in my cosy bed every night in my warm house with plenty to eat. We have also been talking at home and school about ways that we can help people who aren’t as lucky as us. Mum said that lots of kids in New Zealand don’t have enough food or warm clothes and that lots of families don’t have anywhere to live. Some are even living in their cars.

Any words of encouragement /training/fundraising advice to share?

I decided to try to raise $200 but so far I have tripled my target and I already have over $600. Some people who have donated are people I have never even met before! Like my Auntie’s Mum and Dad who live in America. So if you want to do something good, lots of people will help you.

Ka rawe Sam! Thank you for being part of the Auckland City Mission team and we wish you the best of luck for the race next weekend! Karawhiua!

If you’d like to support Samuel, you can find his fundraising page here.