The idea of running a marathon is a herculean prospect for many of us, so when Wānaka runner Victoria Taylor announced she was going to attempt the equivalent of 54 marathons in 18 days by running the length of New Zealand it seemed inconceivable. 

But those close to the 28-year-old know she is not like most people and that her motivations are deeply rooted in a tragic life experience. 

“I lost one of my first boyfriends to suicide four years ago,” Victoria said.

“At the end of the day he was one of the kindest guys I’d ever met. It really hurts to lose someone that way that you were close to once.”

Victoria said she finds running helps her get through a lot of lifes challenges and she likes to combine running with helping other people.

“I ran the length of New Zealand when I was 18 for child cancer,” she said.

“I raised $17,500, it took me 34 days when I did it 10 years ago.

“It’s not really normal for people to want to do something that big twice, but I’ve got a major drive losing someone close to me.

“That’s my real purpose - I want to reach out and get mental health some support in New Zealand. Something needs to be done.”

Victoria will aim to beat the female record for running the length of the country and her endeavour has been approved as an official Guinness World Record attempt.

“The female record is 19 days and 17 hours,” she said. 

“I thought that while I’m at it I might as well try for Siggy Beaur’s male record. It’s so close I figured I might as well aim for that while I’m at it.”

Siggy set the male record in 1975 in a time of 18 days and nine hours. 

To break the record Victoria will need to run between 110 and 130 kilometres per day, breaking the day into three marathons.

“I start the first run at 4am in the morning, then 9am to 1pm and then 2pm to 6pm,” Victoria said.

In preparation for the event Victoria puts her two-year-old son in a pram and runs 30 kilometres each day pushing the pram.

“I’m pushing nearly 25kgs so when I run on my own it's a lot easier,” she said.

Tattooed on Victoria’s wrist is the acronym ‘NEGU’ which stands for ‘never ever give up’. 

“When I do this run I’m going to need that extra push. It’s going to be hard, it’s going to be challenging, I’m not underestimating it. 

It’ll be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

To support Victoria’s run you can donate to this bank account: 011824000326851.

More than $4,000 is still required to help fund the support vehicle.

To follow Victoria on social media click here.

Victoria would like to thank the following sponsors: Mobile Tyres Wānaka, KP Concreting LTD, I Dig Earthworks Ltd, Hold Fast Entertainment, Human Fitness & Performance, New World Three Parks, lululemon Australia and New Zealand, Mizuno, Shoe Clinic, PAK’n SAVE Taupo, CHB Chimney Services, Mangonui Motel, Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park, Flat Hills Cafe and Tourist Park.

PHOTO: Supplied.