An 87km marathon is hard enough to complete, but when the first 45kms is
up hill the effort becomes even more gruelling. This was the challenge faced by
Justin Gallagher who fulfilled his dream by completing the ‘Comrades Marathon’ in South Africa in less than nine hours to support the CP Foundation.

Justin, Head of Sales Trading at ABN AMRO managed to work 55 hours a week, train,
spend time with his three, small daughters and maintain a healthy relationship with his very understanding wife, Stephanie. Justin completed the marathon in 8 hours and 52 minutes earning him a Bill Rowan Medal named after the original winner in 1921.

‘It was an amazing day. The atmosphere at the start line was something I will never forget. More than 9,500 Africans sang their sporting anthem which was an experience beyond description. At 27°C, it was the hottest Comrades day in many years, with no wind,’ Justin said.

Starting at sea level in Durban, the runners encounter five major hills popularly known as the “Big Five”. The race finished in Pietermartizburg which sits at an altitude of 650m. Next year, runners will reverse the direction and run down hill.

‘I was keen to see where my limits were and I have definitely worked that out,’ Justin said. ‘The first 44kms were a breeze, I felt strong and confident but the real race came with 35kms to go. I found myself in a place both mentally and physically that I had never been before. Exhaustion was a word that described my state after 70 kms. I’m yet to find a word to describe how I felt when I crossed the finish line.’ Justin concluded.

Justin’s amazing fundraising effort can still be viewed and even added to by logging onto www.cpfoundation.com.au and following the prompts.

‘I suppose having three, beautiful, little girls, you realise how lucky you are. One in every 400 babies born in Australia will have cerebral palsy. It is the most common, physical disability in childhood yet little money is spent on finding a prevention and cure. Stephanie saw an interview with a little girl with cerebral palsy on television who was the same age as our eldest. Stephanie was so touched she suggested we support the charity,’ Justin concluded.

The Cerebral Palsy Foundation thank Justin, his family, supporters and ABN AMRO for this amazing fundraising effort which has totalled over $85,000.

You can still support Justin, click here to go to Justin's MyChallenge page.