For most of us, one summit of Roy’s Peak in 24 hours is enough. But local trail runner and Queenstown Lakes District Council employee Tanya Bottomley (39) is aiming to make upwards of six summits between December 12 and December 13 to raise money for Shine, a charity which provides help for victims of domestic abuse and their children.

Bottomley first started running while living in a destructive, abusive relationship, and now uses her running journey to share her personal story and raise awareness of family violence and the support available for both men and women to recover from abuse. She has completed a number of long-distance challenges under her banner, Run Like Tanya, and is the first woman to take on the Thir Southern Seasons Miler Challenge – four 100 mile races in 12 months, of which she has completed three. 

“My ruling philosophy with my running is to run happy,” said Bottomley. “I simply love to run, and will most often be seen with a big smile on my face while exploring the trails.”

Whilst setting Roy’s Peak record, to also make her goal of six summits, Bottomley will need to cover 100km and 7,500 vertical metres - close to the height of Mount Everest (8850m). She has spent the last six months getting up into the mountains as much as possible for training - but as an ultra-endurance athlete, she’s accustomed to spending up to 36 hours on the move.

“This kind of challenge needs fitness, but more than that it needs mental toughness to just keep going when you’re tired, bored and hurting,” said Bottomley.

“To be the first woman and person to complete this challenge will be both humbling and rewarding, and I hope to inspire others to think about what else is possible for them,” she added. 

“Because while 2020 has been a transformative year in my domestic abuse story, being locked down with their abusers, this year has been a living hell for many.”

Visit the Run Like Tanya Facebook page for more information or to donate. 

Read edition 1003 of the Wānaka Sun here.

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