A Queenscliff man will brave the cold to raise money for children in need during an Arctic ultramarathon in Swedish Lapland.
Cottage by the Sea chief executive Adam Wake will leave Australia on February 13 for a five-day and 230-kilometre Ice Ultramarathon from February 18 to fundraise for the children’s charity.
Mr Wake said he set a $40,000 target to help run a week-long snow camp in Mount Buller through Cottage by the Sea’s REEF snow program.
“I hate the cold and it’s always been my Achilles heel. I’ve done desert and jungle races in the past, but nothing in the cold, nothing less than 20 degrees Celsius,” he said.
“I’ve been in this sector working with at-risk, disadvantaged children for over 20 years, and we always tell kids that if you’re going to get the most out of life, you’ve got to stretch and challenge yourself.
“We have 1700 or more children coming through here every year and this story will probably filter to them and hopefully I get asked questions. Maybe it’ll give them a reason to try and push themselves.”
Mr Wake said the “best way to experience growth in life” was to take on challenges and step outside the comfort zone.
“More than anything I’m looking forward to being cut off, I will have absolutely no communication with the outside world for the period that I’m on the road,” he said.
“I’m also looking forward to being immersed in nature, something that I think is becoming harder to find in our worlds. I love being lost and this is Europe’s last wilderness.”
Mr Wake has raised $2400 as of 11am on Tuesday, January 21. Visit cottagebythesea.com.au/fundraise/adams-arctic-ultramarathon for more information or to donate.
By Jena Carr
