Welcome to RunFun Travel

Marathon & Lifestyle Travel Specialists    
This newsletter is full of stories of interest from the world of marathons and the people within. We think it's a nice mid winter break, away from the enticements of running in some exotic location around the world. 

Speaking of winter breaks, we've been having one of our own and will bring you an update shortly about the wonders of the island of Crete. Gorgeous spot, beautiful villages, endless sunshine, amazing food. Another great destination.    

And remember…. when you think of travelling to an event, think about travelling with the marathon and lifestyle travel experts.    

Fran Seton & Dave Cundy 

RunFun Travel |

runfuntravel.com

John Wallace, from the USA, is a man on a mission! He's run a marathon in 116 countries. John assures me he holds the world record in this regard and, really, who am I to argue. Sounds like a lot of countries to me, with or without a marathon!

Next on the list is Wally Herman, from Canada, with 99 and behind Wally is Edson Sanches from the USA, with 82 countries.  Tell you what a small world it is, we know Edson from his run in Canberra some years ago and we are still in touch.

John maintains the Country Club List and the rules are simple – you have to complete a marathon in at least 30 countries to qualify, a country may only be counted once and a marathon that passes through two countries may only count for one country.

John will be running in the Da Nang International Marathon, in Vietnam, on 1 September and, in doing so, will break his own world record when he clocks up country #117.

We look forward to meeting John in Da Nang and hearing about his amazing marathon experiences. Why don't you join us? 

Photo: John Wallace, Machu Picchu

      Da Nang International Marathon 1 Sep 2013 

The Great Wall Marathon was won in a triple dead heat by team Salomon, who took 9+ minutes off the race record.

Not only are the Salomon team (Jonathan Wyatt, Jorge Maravilla and Dimitris Theodorakakos) gun runners but they also took the time to make a video on the Great Wall, documenting their trip.

This is a great video and well worth watching. If this doesn't get you interested, there's no hope!

The video is on youtube and you can watch it here.

Once you've done that, you can book your Great Wall Marathon 2014 experience by contacting RunFun Travel.

Photo: team Salomon, Great Wall Marathon 2013

     Great Wall Marathon 17 May 2014

In a somewhat interesting project a group of school children in Denmark placed 200 ducks throughout the country, with a message about prejudice. Their aim is for people to pick up the ducks and take them to another destination. I'll try to keep it short from here on in!

Duck #77 was selected by Henrik Brandt who has started #77 on the trip of a lifetime. Being a marathoner, the number 77 is significant to Henrik – the 7 continents being  a challenge many marathoners set themselves. Henrik is also somewhat of a Great Wall Marathon legend, in that he has run all 14 Great Wall Marathons. Do the math, that's 72 296 steps, plus add another 36,148 for inspection day!

It was at the Great Wall Marathon this year that Henrik approached me about bringing #77 to Australia. Kathy Loper had #77 in her proud possession, having taken him on a bit of a tour of the US, and we had a lovely handover ceremony on the stage at the Great Wall.

#77 has had his Aussie adventure and has winged it back to Denmark, in preparation for his trip to the North Pole on July 19. 

Yes, it's a bit different and a bit kooky but it's for a cause. #77 has a tag around his neck that reads "One predjudice less, one more friend. The fact that the school children have seen this as important augurs well for the future. 

There is a facebook page where you can read more about Duck Adventures – remember to hit the translate button otherwise things can be difficult!

Photo:  Fran, Henrik Brandt, Kathy Loper & #77          

RunFun Travel will be exhibiting at the Gold Coast Marathon expo next week. Having had an association with the Gold Coast Marathon since very early 80's we are once again looking forward to being involved with the event.

Make sure you call past and say hello and pick up your special Gold Coast promotional gift by mentioning this newsletter.