Marathon men show true heart

Health

Those 35,000 runners fearful of injury or collapse when they line-up for the London Marathon on 26 April can take heart.

Among the crush of amateur, celebrity and professional athletes will be three medical students from the University of Adelaide ready to lend assistance if needed.

But Chris Wong, Adam Nelson and Mark Hassall hope to complete the 42.2 kilometre route without mishap, to themselves or others.

They have a more important agenda, apart from finishing, and that's to raise $42,195 - one dollar for every step of the marathon - for research into cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Australia.

Chris, Adam and Mark are members of an eight-man team selected by the National Heart Foundation to raise money and awareness of the foundation's work in Australia.

The trio are over halfway towards their fundraising target, thanks to prior experience in event management and extensive marketing nous.

An end-of-exams party in 2008 kicked off the fundraising campaign, with more than 2000 tickets sold, generating $20,000 in just one night. The remaining money is being raised through a fundraising dinner, raffle, lawn bowls event and individual donations.

Sandwiched in between this fundraising campaign the trio are managing to squeeze in some training for the marathon.

All three are passionate long distance runners and keen to embrace the challenge of one of the world's major international marathons.

Chris, 22, has been running seriously since high school.

"Apart from the obvious physical benefits, running is a chance to unwind and de-stress. A marathon takes that to the limit. Feeling the blisters, the ache in your legs and your chest burning is all part of it, but when you cross the finish line it's an unbelievable feeling," he said.

Adam, 23, started running in 2001 to lose weight and keep fit, but the benefits have gone far beyond his initial goal.

"Apart from the challenge of pushing myself to new levels of fitness (and pain), I love the reflection and solace that running provides," Adam said. He hopes to compete in the Boston Marathon if he fares well in London.

Mark Hassall, 21, uses running to escape from the daily grind of study.

"It gives me a chance to solve problems without any distractions and to release residual tension. The endorphin high at the end is just an added bonus," he said.

Held annually since 1981, the London Marathon is one of the five major international marathons and ranks alongside Boston, New York, Berlin and Chicago for its size, scenery and reputation.

Philanthropic fundraising is a well-established aspect of the London Marathon; in 2006 alone, participants raised more than $90 million for charity.

The National Heart Foundation funds world-class cardiovascular research into heart, stroke and blood vessel diseases which, in 2006, accounted for 34% of all deaths in Australia. It is estimated that cardiovascular disease kills one Australian nearly every 10 minutes.

Last September, Chris Wong - a fourth-year medical student at the time - was awarded one of the nation's top cardiovascular prizes for his research into atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder in the world.

He is believed to be the first undergraduate student in the country to win the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand's (CSANZ) Affiliate Prize for scientific excellence, and beat a field of 2000 delegates.

If you would like to support Chris, Adam and Mark on their London Marathon challenge, please contact them at mail@adelaidetolondon.com or visit their secure Heart Foundation donation page: www.adelaidetolondon.com

Story by Candy Gibson