Source: I Am Hope
Christchurch endurance athlete to run 617km in honour of every life lost to suicide last year
I Am Hope is proud to stand behind 26-year-old endurance athlete and landscaper Morgan Bartram, who this September will take on an extraordinary challenge to raise awareness and funds for youth mental health in Aotearoa.
Starting 1 September 2025, Morgan will run 617km around Hagley Park South in Christchurch — one kilometre for every New Zealander lost to suicide last year. Over the course of seven days, he’ll cover 100km a day for six days, with the final 17km to be completed on 7 September, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day.
It’s more than a run. It’s a call to action.
Morgan is urging Kiwis across the country to take part in the “What’s Your Six Seventeen?” challenge — a seven-day movement inviting individuals, teams, and communities to do something bold, meaningful, and just beyond their comfort zone in honour of those we’ve lost, and for the ones still fighting.
All funds raised will go directly to I Am Hope , delivering free counselling for young people through its Gumboot Friday programme and advocating for real, grassroots change in the mental health space.
“What Morgan’s doing is unreal,” says I Am Hope founder Mike King. “Most people can’t imagine running 6km, let alone 617. But he’s out there, in the cold, the rain, pushing through day after day — all to remind young people they matter. He’s truly special, and we’re so grateful to have him in our corner. If you can support him, do it. Every step he takes is for someone else.”
For Morgan, this mission is deeply personal. And he’s putting in the hard mahi to make it happen.
“I’ve always been fascinated by what we’re capable of — but this is about more than the distance,” says Morgan. “It’s about pushing through pain, showing up every day, and doing something that matters. I want to challenge others to do the same. You don’t have to run 617km — just take one step. Ask for help. Check in on someone. Be part of this.”
Morgan has been training relentlessly — clocking long runs in cold, wet, unforgiving conditions to prepare his body and mind for what lies ahead.
Morgan video: https://bit.ly/4fSCZdN
You can follow his journey on Instagram at @morgybartrum
Morgan’s Givealittle page: https://bit.ly/465NrLN
Event Details:
- Hagley Park South, Christchurch
- 1–7 September 2025
- Goal: 617km in 7 days | 1km for each life lost
Join the movement:
- Run alongside Morgan
- Start your own “617” challenge
- Text HOPE to 469 for $3 donation
Let’s turn pain into purpose — together.
