Meet The Perth Legend Running A 42km Marathon In Thongs This Week!
For most of us, the thought of running a marathon is impressive enough – but how about doing it in thongs?
Sam Hensen-Thompson will be undertaking an epic 42.2km marathon in thongs this Friday, starting at Zephyr Café in East Fremantle and ending up at City of Perth SLSC (City Beach) at approximately 6:30PM.
The “marathong” is raising funds for the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation, so will of course make a stop en route at the hospital.
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Sam, who moved to Perth two years ago, hopes to fundraise $15,000 for the Foundation – inspired by his coach’s daughter who was diagnosed with leukaemia and is now in remission.
This will be the first full marathon for the 24 year old Surf Club Coach and keen kayaker, who also garnered attention for completing a half-marathon last month – in thongs as well!
Running the marathon in his trusty Heatwaves, the local legend estimates that he’s barefoot 98% of the time, with 1% of the remaining time in thongs and just 1% in shoes. In fact, the whole endeavour was started when Sam felt like going for an afternoon run but didn’t own a pair of running shoes.
Worried about Sam’s feet? Luckily, he’s received plenty of advice from physios and podiatrists who have reached out with advice – as well as being sent about 80 pairs of thongs!
To support Thongs to Stay Strong, you can head to Sam’s fundraiser page here – and make sure to head down on Friday night to the City of Perth Surf Lifesaving Club for a cold one!