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Adrian Raftery on Sunday completed the New York marathon and in the
process became the leading Australian charity fundraiser in the race.
Almost 40,000
runners braved the chilly Sunday morning and raised over US$12 million
for charities across the world, including in excess of $204,000 for
Raftery's charity the National Heart Foundation of Australia.
Raftery ran the
grueling 42km course across the five boroughs of New York in memory of
his father Michael who passed away last year and raised almost $34,000
for the Heart Foundation.
"When I told people
that I was going to New York & run the marathon they actually thought I
was running up the top of the Empire State Building. But to put it in
perspective, today's race was equivalent in distance to climbing the
Empire State an amazing 95 times!!"
Spokesperson for the
Heart Foundation, Lisa Herden, was ecstatic with the fundraising
efforts.
"With each donation
of $500 we can fund a world class heart research project for 2 days. So
due to the efforts of Adrian & Team Rafters as well as the other 18
runners, we can now fund a project for 408 days which is simply
brilliant" said Herden.
When a former AFL teammate (Mostyn Seccombe) of
Adrian's died in July at just age 46 from a heart attack it made him
more determined to help raise funds for the Heart Foundation.
"Whilst we were not able to help Mozzy's family
in time, it brings a smile to my face knowing that our funds will
help save the life of least one Australian in the future. It makes
all the hard work and pain worthwhile."
It has been an
arduous 10 months of training & fundraising activities for Adrian but it
has been a worthwhile journey.
"Whilst the marathon
was incredibly tough today, it has been an unbelievable experience this
year and totally uplifting," said a tired Raftery, who lost in excess of
15kg in training.
"It was great to see
Aussie Kurt Fearnley win the wheelchair division again today. I had the
opportunity to meet him at the Sydney marathon & he is an amazing
person. I hope he can continue that success into the Beijing
Paralympics."
Some of runners that
Raftery beat home included Sydney Swans premiership star Jared Crouch
and Hollywood actress Katie Holmes.
"Whilst I think
Jared was more focused on September glory, I am sure that in years to
come he will wish that he went a bit harder as I am sure to remind him
of the result a few more times yet. Also Katie was a bit dejected when
I refused to have dinner with her," laughed Raftery.
Raftery, 36, just
missed out on a personal best time after re-injuring his knee that he
had surgery in April at the 24km mark.
"In April, my
surgeon had advised against running the marathon but by the time he told
me, I had already raised too much money to pull out. When I hurt it
again today I was too pumped up to stop. The crowd (in excess of 2
million) were absolutely terrific today."
"My favorite part of
the race was running up the top of a hill in Brooklyn where a local
school band was playing the Rocky theme song. I got to the top
as they were reaching the climax of the song & the crowd were going
crazy. Listening to the gospel singers in Harlem was also special."
Raftery was also in
awe of the support of the Sydney community in his cause.
"Everyone that have
supported me have been absolute superstars. I cannot thank them
enough. Our gold sponsors Hills Transport & Decoglaze Glass Splashbacks
are two amazing Western Sydney companies. Having worked closely with
their respective management teams this year, I can see why they are so
successful."
"But the most
amazing person has been my wife Kylie who has provided tremendous
support all year - as official photographer, event organiser,
supporter & part-time nurse amongst other roles - and I cannot say
enough how happy that I am married to such a beautiful woman."
So what does the
future hold for Adrian & Team Rafters?
"I definitely won't
be doing another marathon again - they are too punishing on big boofy
blokes like me - but I would consider doing the Kokoda Track or climbing
Mount Everest down the track - I also have an eye on the World Masters
Games in Sydney in 2009."
"But whatever I
choose I will definitely be helping out a charity again. They are the
true superstars and deserve all the support that they can get."