Shannon's running for a good cause

Running has never been Shannon Willoughby's thing but she's always been willing to put her body on the line for a good cause.

The Rotorua Black Fern, who was in the 2006 World Cup-winning New Zealand women's rugby side, is running this year's Rotorua Marathon to raise money for the city's Hospice.

It was the death of her father, Jeff, from lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes) last August that has her beating the streets in preparation for the 42km round Lake Rotorua challenge on May 3.

Willoughby said the death of her father hit the family hard and they had all appreciated the help Hospice gave - not only to her dad but also the rest of the family.

So far Willoughby has raised about $3000 worth of sponsorship so far but her target is $10,000.

She's aiming to finish her first long distance event in under five hours and has had to fit her marathon build-up around Black Ferns training for the past four months. Willoughby has been running 10km four times a week with a 20km run at the weekends.

She's had plenty of support from her Black Fern trainer Aaron Randall as well as her personal sponsors Adidas and Argus.

She freely admits she's no marathon runner.

"I have never ran long distances. My family can't really believe I'm doing it because they know I'm no runner."

Willoughby is banking on support from friends and family to get her to the Government Gardens finish line.

"My brothers don't know yet but they will be running five kilometres each with me."

Rotorua Hospice chief executive Tracey Watters said the organisation was delighted Willoughby was running on its behalf. It relies heavily on volunteers and donations to provide services to terminally ill people and their families.

"The demand for hospice services has increased in the past year and we can't fundraise enough."

Mrs Watters said the Hospice team were right behind Miss Willoughby "100 per cent".

"We will be a support crew and provide her with whatever she needs."

Willoughby will be among the many locals tackling the 44th Rotorua Marathon. She attended Mamaku Primary School, Kaitao Intermediate and Western Heights High School. She is currently working in marketing and promotions at the Rotorua Radioworks.

* If you want to help Willoughby in her bid to raise $10,000 for Rotorua's Hospice services check her website www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/shannonwilloughby.