THE birth of a baby son wasn’t going to stop a Bondi mum and her partner in her pursuit of completing 100 triathlons in 100 consecutive days.
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This Sunday marks the end for Debi Hazelden, who will achieve the record-breaking triathlon feat.
The 36-year-old embarked on the ultimate endurance test with her partner, all to raise money for Red Cross.
Making the feat even more impressive, Hazelden and partner John Mergler had their first child just nine months ago – and baby Ryder joined them every day on the triathlon trail.
“It’s been a big family effort, with little Ryder even doing his bit as I ran with the pram,” Hazelden said.
“John and I have been a tight team with him participating for 50 days which was a fantastic effort too.”
The family aims to raise $100,000 for Australian Red Cross’ disaster relief and recovery services, and have so far raised $28,000.
She is expected to cross the finishing line at the Ironman Australia race in Port Macquarie this Sunday afternoon.
Back in February, Hazelden beat the current world record (30 half Ironman-distance triathlons in 30 days) and by Sunday will set a new one (100 half Ironman-distance triathlons in 100 days).
That brings her total distance she will have covered to 11,413km in swimming, cycling and running, which is about the distance from Sydney to Santiago.
Despite suffering injuries in 50 days, Mergler completed 23 full Ironman distance triathlons and 27 half ironman distance triathlons.
He will join his partner on the final stretch this weekend, alongside a squad of 38 triathletes all raising funds for Australian Red Cross.
“It’s been an intense 100 days, but through our efforts we hope to inspire others to break their own personal record for a good cause,” Hazelden said.
“Triathlon is often seen as a solitary and selfish kind of sport and this is our way of giving back.
“We’ve been thrilled by the generosity of people digging deep to donate to our record breaking challenge, but we’d like to reach 100K before the end of the month, to help fund the life changing work of Australian Red Cross.
“When we saw the cyclones and floods in Queensland and New South Wales in recent times, you can only imagine how tough it would have been and what we’re doing is nothing in comparison with losing your home or business.”
Kiwi-born Hazelden was impressed by Red Cross’ relief work after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, which inspired her and Mergler to choose the organisation as their charity partner.
“Red Cross provide so much support that the general public wouldn’t think of. It’s these things that help people get through disasters in a good mental and emotional state, and come out the other side OK,” she said.
Members of the public are invited to cheer them on by making a direct donation to the team online at www.redcross.org.au/ironcentury.
