Originally published by Paula Hulburt of the The Blenheim Sun on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
A couple who both suffer from a debilitating medical disorder are set to test their fitness, tackling a
gruelling 100-kilometre run for charity.
Holly Ewens Smith and Alex Radford hope to clock up 120,000 steps in just 24 hours to raise
both money and awareness of endometriosis.
The 120 Challenge is run by Endometriosis New Zealand and recognises the 120,000 Kiwis living with endometriosis. Holly and Alex would like to see more understanding about the condition.
“We have both struggled with endometriosis for most of our lives,” Holly says. “It’s not talked about enough, nor acknowledged as the debilitating condition that it can be.”
“Running 100 kilometres is about showing what it takes to keep moving forward when your body is constantly fighting you,” Alex adds. Both keen fitness advocates, their journey will begin at Snap Fitness
where Holly works as a manger. They will then head for Picton, Linkwater, Havelock and Renwick before returning to the gym for an open evening.
The inspirational pair hope their 24-hour challenge will help people better understand the reality of
living with endometriosis. Holly says endometriosis has shaped much of her life since her teenage years.
“During a flare-up my cramps have me unable to sit up straight and even the smallest movement causes my hips and back to spasm.”
“Loading up on pain relief, carrying a heat pack everywhere, gritting my teeth and just trying to
get through the day has been my reality for years.”
Endometriosis is a painful condition in which tissue that is like the inner lining of the uterus grows
outside the uterus. Sufferers’ lives can be painful. Pain is not the only symptom, with some women also suffering from on-going exhaustion.
“Endometriosis is much more than just bad period pain, says Alex. “It’s a whole-body disease that can take your energy, your strength and sometimes your sense of control over your own life.
“It’s the kind of exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix. Some days you wake up already feeling like you’ve run a marathon before the day has even begun.”
The pair have been training hard, steadily increasing their running mileage alongside strength training
to help prevent injuries.
For Alex, who sometimes struggles to walk, movement of any kind can cause pain, she explains.
“It affects my sciatic nerve, causing constant pain, numbness and weakness down my leg. Some days I struggle to walk properly or trust that my leg won’t give out beneath me.”
Local businesses have already rallied behind the effort, with several supporting the challenge by
sponsoring parts of the course and providing nutrition and supplies. Supporters can also claim sections
of the route, with donations helping fund the advocacy and support work of Endometriosis New Zealand.
“We’ve set it up so $10 sponsors one kilometre of the course,” Holly explains. “So far more than half of
the route has already been claimed by local legends.”
Chief Executive of Endometriosis New Zealand Tanya Cooke is praising the pair for their help. “Endometriosis can be isolating, exhausting and too often misunderstood, so when people are
willing to put themselves out there to raise both funds and awareness, it makes a real difference.
“It helps shine a light on the reality of the condition, starts important conversations, and reminds others living with endo that they are not alone.”
To donate go to ‘Snap Fitness Blenheim’ here.
