Source: Gumboot Friday
14 October 2026
Six Australian-based runners from A1 Training Club and Kamikaze Energy will travel from Wellington to Auckland over seven days, visiting schools, a youth justice residence and communities to raise funds and start conversations about youth mental health.
An Australian-based running group is travelling to New Zealand to take on an 800km-plus endurance challenge in support of Gumboot Friday, using seven days on the road to raise funds and remind young people that they have people in their corner.
Four runners from A1 Training Club, alongside two runners from Kamikaze Energy, will take on RUN4NZ – Hope in Every Step from 18–24 October, running from Wellington to Auckland in the lead-up to Gumboot Friday on 6 November.
For the A1 Training Club team, the challenge means travelling across the Tasman to support young New Zealanders, turning a physical test of endurance into an opportunity to connect with communities and get people talking about mental health.
The runners will visit schools and Te Au Rere a te Tonga youth justice residence in Palmerston North, sharing personal experiences and speaking with young people about adversity, resilience and the importance of reaching out when life gets difficult.
Richard Williams, co-founder of A1 Training Club and one of the runners taking part, says bringing the team to New Zealand is about putting the Gumboot Friday message into action.
“Coming over from Australia to run more than 800km for Gumboot Friday is a massive undertaking, but we wanted to do something that went beyond the running itself.
“We know that young people can go through some incredibly difficult things, and sometimes they need to hear from someone who has faced challenges themselves and come out the other side. If sharing our stories helps even one young person feel less alone or gives them the confidence to ask for help, then every kilometre is worth it.
“We’re not just coming to New Zealand to run. We want to meet people, spend time with young people, have honest conversations and help raise money so more kids can get access to counselling when they need it.”
I Am Hope founder Mike King says the challenge is a powerful example of people putting their support for young people into action.
“What I love about this is that these guys could have taken on a physical challenge anywhere in the world, but they’ve chosen to come to New Zealand and use it to support our kids. They’re giving up their time, pushing themselves well beyond their comfort zones and using that effort to get people talking about something that affects families right across the country.
“When a young person is struggling, the last thing they need is to feel like they have to figure everything out on their own. Sometimes it starts with one conversation, one person taking the time to listen, or one person helping them find someone safe to talk to. That’s what we want more of.”
Taking Gumboot Friday into schools and youth justice
As part of the journey, the team will visit schools and Te Au Rere a te Tonga, the youth justice residence in Palmerston North, to share their experiences and engage with young people through conversations about mental health, personal growth and resilience.
The visit to Te Au Rere a te Tonga on Monday 19 October will include a classroom session focused on mental health and developing a growth mindset, helping equip young people with tools they can use when they return to the community. This will be followed by an outdoor sports session demonstrating how physical activity can help channel energy towards a goal.
The school visits will offer opportunities for students to connect with the team through personal stories, performances and shared experiences. Activities will vary between schools and may include drum squad performances, the haka and conversations about the runners’ own mental health journeys and how they have worked through challenges.
Through these visits, the team hopes to encourage young people to recognise their own potential, understand that difficult circumstances do not define their future, and feel more confident about seeking support when they need it.
King says reaching young people in different environments is an important part of the Gumboot Friday kaupapa.
“Every kid has a story, and you can’t always tell what someone is carrying by looking at them. The important thing is that they know their story isn’t finished. Where they are today doesn’t have to determine where they end up, and they deserve people around them who believe that.
“Getting into schools and spending time with young people in a youth justice residence gives the team a chance to have those conversations face to face. It’s not about standing in front of a room and telling kids how to live their lives. It’s about sharing experiences, listening to them and showing them there are different ways forward.”
Taking Gumboot Friday into communities
RUN4NZ – Hope in Every Step is part of the wider Gumboot Friday campaign, which raises funds to help young New Zealanders aged 5–25 access free counselling through I Am Hope.
Alongside the school and youth justice visits, the team will host free community running and calisthenics sessions, welcoming people of all fitness levels to join in.
At each major town and city along the route, the team will pull on their gumboots and run 500 metres through the town, bringing the Gumboot Friday message directly to local communities.
Each stop will also feature challenges and giveaways, including the chance to win a donated pair of gumboots, giving locals another way to get involved and show their support for young Kiwis.
Community members can run alongside the team for a kilometre, attend a session, share the campaign or donate to Gumboot Friday. The idea is to make it easy for people to take part, regardless of their fitness or how much time they have available.
The seven-day challenge will cover approximately 800km or more, with the runners using the journey to encourage conversations about mental wellbeing and remind young people that their current circumstances do not have to define their future.
For King, the challenge also shows how community support translates into practical help for young people.
“People sometimes think they have to do something extraordinary to make a difference. But you don’t have to run 800 kilometres. You can turn up to a community event, have a conversation with your own kids, check in on a mate or donate what you can.
“What matters is that we keep making it easier for young people to get help when they need it. Gumboot Friday helps young people access free counselling, and the support of the community helps us keep that service going. Every person who gets involved is helping us reach more kids.”
Gumboot Friday provides free counselling for young people aged 5–25, with no referral required. Community fundraising also supports the wider work that makes the service possible.
The public is encouraged to come along, meet the runners and show their support as the team completes the final leg of its challenge.
KEY INFORMATION & RESOURCES
- RUN4NZ – Hope in Every Step takes place from 18–24 October 2026, ahead of Gumboot Friday on Friday 6 November.
- Photo caption (left to right): Fepulea’i Joshua Toese, Myrik Ong, Richard Allan Williams and Myden Ong.
- To find out more about Gumboot Friday or make a donation, visit www.gumbootfriday.com
- Follow the campaign on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd3LhA5jx5G/?img_index=7
- Givealittle link: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/run-4-nz-a-hope-in-every-step
ITINERARY
RUN4NZ — HOPE IN EVERY STEP
Wellington to Auckland | 18–24 October 2026
DAY 1 — SUNDAY, 18 OCTOBER
Wellington → Palmerston North
Start: 5:30 AM | Beehive, Wellington
Estimated Finish: 10:30–11:30 PM
Target Distance: 145–155 km
Run Route & Stops
| Leg | Route / Stop | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beehive, Wellington → Puku Pies, Johnsonville | 8 km |
| 2 | Puku Pies → Porirua Seafoods | 11 km |
| 3 | Porirua Seafoods → Aotea Lagoon Exercise Equipment Area | 3.5 km |
| Activity | Community Calisthenics Session at Aotea Lagoon | 20–30 min |
| 4 | Aotea Lagoon → Pukerua Bay Store | 10 km |
| 5 | Pukerua Bay Store → Fisherman’s Table Restaurant | 8.5 km |
| 6 | Fisherman’s Table Restaurant → KFC Kapiti, Paraparaumu | 13 km |
| 7 | KFC Kapiti → New World Waikanae | 8 km |
| 8 | New World Waikanae → Faith Farm Milk Station | 10 km |
| 9 | Faith Farm Milk Station → The Blackhood Bakes | 6 km |
| 10 | The Blackhood Bakes → Manakau’s Famous | 8 km |
| 11 | Manakau’s Famous → Cobb & Co. Levin | 12 km |
| 12 | Cobb & Co. Levin → Ihakara Hall | 7 km |
| 13 | Ihakara Hall → Four Square Shannon | 10 km |
| 14 | Four Square Shannon → Opiki Hall | 14 km |
| 15 | Opiki Hall → Challenge Longburn (Petrol Station) | 10 km |
| 16 | Challenge Longburn → Palmerston North Clock Tower | 6.5 km |
Key Activity: Beehive start with Koro Club members + Community member through Teporah + Community calisthenics session at Aotea Lagoon.
DAY 2 — MONDAY, 19 OCTOBER
Palmerston North → Taihape
Meet/Start: 10:00 AM | Clock Tower, Palmerston North
Estimated Finish: 11:00 PM–12:00 AM
Target Distance: 120–130 km
Morning Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7–8:00 AM: | Youth justice facility visit and refreshments (Bethel) |
| 10:00 AM: | Team meet-up with community (Tise, Fiona, Bethel, Shannon), Talanoa session, Prayer and run start |
Run Route & Stops
| Leg | Route / Stop | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palmerston North → Feilding | 18 km |
| 2 | Feilding → Halcombe School, Monteith Street | 12 km |
| Activity | Quick school visit and student engagement | — |
| 3 | Halcombe → Hawkestone Golf Course | 8 km |
| 4 | Hawkestone Golf Course → Mt View Cemetery, Marton | 8.5 km |
| 5 | Mt View Cemetery → Hunterville BP | 20 km |
| 6 | Hunterville → Rangatira Golf Course | 12 km |
| 7 | Rangatira Golf Course → Ōhingaiti | 5 km |
| 8 | Ōhingaiti → The Dukes Roadhouse, Mangaweka | 12 km |
| 9 | The Dukes Roadhouse → Ravensdown, Taihape | 12 km |
| 10 | Ravensdown, Taihape → Taihape Gumboot Statue | 10 km |
Key Activities:
- Youth justice facility visit + Talanoa & Send off with Palmy team
- Potential radio station interview.
- Brief school visit and student engagement at Halcombe School.
DAY 3 — TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER
Taihape → Tūrangi
Start: 8:00 AM | Taihape Gumboot Statue
Estimated Finish: 9:45–10:45 PM
Target Distance: 105–115 km
Morning Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00–10:00 AM | Taihape Area School visit and gumboot throwing |
Run Route & Stops
| Leg | Route / Stop | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pohe Road, Taihape → Waiouru Eatery | 15 km |
| 2 | Waiouru Eatery → Mt Ruapehu Lookout | 15 km |
| 3 | Mt Ruapehu Lookout → Southern Access Corridor | 11 km |
| 4 | Southern Access Corridor → Desert Road | 11 km |
| 5 | Desert Road → Tree Trunk Gorge Road | 9 km |
| 6 | Tree Trunk Gorge Road → Kaimanawa Road | 11 km |
| 7 | Kaimanawa Road → Rangipo Prison Road | 11 km |
| 8 | Rangipo Prison Road → Ōhuanga Road | 10 km |
| 9 | Ōhuanga Road → Tūrangi Tavern | 8 km |
| 10 | Additional/connecting leg | 6 km |
Key Activity: Taihape Area School visit and community engagement + Gumboot throwing.
DAY 4 — WEDNESDAY, 21 OCTOBER
Tūrangi → Rotorua
Start: 5:00 AM | Tūrangi Customer & Visitor Information Centre
Estimated Finish: 6:30–7:30 PM
Target Distance: 135–145 km
PRIORITY: ROTORUA SCHOOL ARRIVAL
Run Route & Stops
| Leg | Route / Stop | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tūrangi → Licorice Cafe, Motuoapa | 10 km |
| 2 | Licorice Cafe → Te Poporo/Bulli Point | 11 km |
| 3 | Te Poporo/Bulli Point → Lake Taupō Clear Water | 5 km |
| 4 | Lake Taupō Clear Water → Waitahanui, Windsor Motel | 13 km |
| 5 | Waitahanui → Kefi / Espresso Cove, Taupō | 10 km |
| 6 | Espresso Cove → Easy To You Massage, Wairakei | 13 km |
| 7 | Easy To You Massage → Tahorakuri Wetlands | 13 km |
| 8 | Tahorakuri Wetlands → Waimahana Marae | 12 km |
| 9 | Waimahana Marae → Reporoa Takeaway 2020 | 10 km |
| 10 | Reporoa Takeaway → Waiotapu Tavern | 12 km |
| 11 | Waiotapu Tavern → Te Pā Tū | 13 km |
| 12 | Te Pā Tū → Caltex Whakarewarewa, Rotorua | 10 km |
| 13 | Caltex Whakarewarewa → Rotorua Boarding School | 6 km |
Key Activity: Rotorua boarding school visit.
DAY 5 — THURSDAY, 22 OCTOBER
Rotorua → Hamilton
Start: 12:00 PM | Rotorua
Estimated Finish: 12:00–1:00 AM
Target Distance: 120–130 km
School Visit & Start Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Rotorua Boys’ High School visit |
| 12:20 PM | Depart and commence running |
Run Route & Stops
| Leg | Route / Stop | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rotorua Boys’ High School → Velocity Valley Adrenaline Park | 9 km |
| 2 | Velocity Valley → Mamaku Grocery | 13 km |
| 3 | Mamaku Grocery → Woods Mill DOC Walking Track | 15 km |
| 4 | Woods Mill DOC Walking Track → Ruapeka Marae | 10 km |
| 5 | Ruapeka Marae → Tucker, Tirau | 12 km |
| 6 | Tucker, Tirau → Lakeview Lodge, Karapiro | 13 km |
| 7 | Lakeview Lodge → The Karapiro Edge Cafe & Bistro | 13 km |
| 8 | The Karapiro Edge Cafe & Bistro → KFC Cambridge | 11 km |
| 9 | KFC Cambridge → Poppy Peach Dessert Bar | 15 km |
| 10 | Poppy Peach Dessert Bar → FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton | 11 km |
Key Activity: Rotorua Boys’ High School visit.
DAY 6 — FRIDAY, 23 OCTOBER
Hamilton → Manurewa
Start: 9:15 AM | Fraser High School, Hamilton
Estimated Finish: 10:00–11:00 PM
Target Distance: 120–130 km
School Visit & Start Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:15 AM | Fraser High School visit |
| 10:00 AM | Depart and commence running |
Run Route & Stops
| Leg | Route / Stop | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fraser High School → Horsham Downs Golf Club | 9.5 km |
| 2 | Horsham Downs Golf Club → Hamilton Gates and Fences | 10 km |
| 3 | Hamilton Gates and Fences → Huntly Golden Bakery & Cafe | 12 km |
| 4 | Huntly Golden Bakery & Cafe → Huntly Golf Club | 8.5 km |
| 5 | Huntly Golf Club → Rangiriri Boat Ramp, under the bridge | 9 km |
| 6 | Rangiriri Boat Ramp → McDonald’s Mercer | 26 km |
| 7 | McDonald’s Mercer → Burger Junction, Pōkeno | 14 km |
| 8 | Burger Junction → Bombay Country Club | 8 km |
| 9 | Bombay Country Club → Tran Bakery and Cafe, Drury | 12 km |
| 10 | Tran Bakery and Cafe → Pizza Hut, Manurewa | 12 km |
Support Vehicle Instructions
Key Activity: Fraser High School visit.
DAY 7 — SATURDAY, 24 OCTOBER
Manurewa → Auckland CBD | FINAL DAY
Start: 7:00 AM | Mountfort Park, Manurewa
Estimated Finish: 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Target Distance: 25–30 km
Final Run Route
| Leg | Route / Stop | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mountfort Park (SARC + Unkle Phillz + Elias) → Hayman Park | 5.5 km |
| 2 | Hayman Park (Balance Run Club) → McManus Park | 8.5 km |
| 3 | McManus Park → Cornwall Park | 8 km |
| Activity | Community Calisthenics Session at Cornwall Park | 20–30 min |
| 4 | Cornwall Park (Coach Cordtz) → 5 Severn Road, Grafton | 5 km |
Official Finish Line
5 Severn Road, Grafton, Auckland (YOUKNOW HQ)
Final Activities:
- Community calisthenics session at Cornwall Park.
- Final team arrival and campaign finish.
- Celebrate the journey and the message behind RUN4NZ.