Mike Kirby's first marathon
Mount Victoria resident Mike Kirby raised over $500 as a Heart Racer at the Shoe Clinic Harbour Capital Marathon on Sunday 25 June.
Combining a lifelong ambition to complete a marathon with supporting a cause very important to him, provided Mike with 
ample motivation in his training and preparation over the months leading up to the big day.
"Early last year my Dad was diagnosed with angina, but was then told he would need surgery on three arteries," says Mike.
"When I visited him in post-operative intensive care, it turned out he had actually needed a quintuple bypass. Dad had always been active and a keen golfer, so it was a shock to him and our family. But thanks to his strong spirit, and the support of hospital staff, his family and friends, he has made a good recovery."
Mike acknowledged the support of the Heart Foundation in his father’s recovery, and saw being a Heart Racer as a way to give something back and help the fight against cardiovascular disease in New Zealand.
“A dollar amount can't be put on the value of Heart Foundation's work. My dad's case isn’t an isolated one and each of us will know of someone who has experienced heart problems. Being a Heart Racer let me help this cause, but also benefited my own fitness and health at the same time."
Despite the challenging weeks of training, Mike was determined to run the whole course, with his aim on completing rather than competing. His involvement and commitment also encouraged others to get involved, with friends signing up for the 10km event, or sponsoring him online.
"Heart disease has directly affected mine and my partner's families, and is a big health issue in New Zealand. I hope people will support anyone they know who is a Heart Racer, and think about their own heart health in the future," says Mike.
