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Anyone who’s considered running a marathon will be buoyed by Rebecca Robinson’s (pictured) description of one of the world’s best.

“It was like running a party with 46,000 people,” says the Auckland mum, who is back on home soil after completing the 42km New York Marathon.

“There are two million people watching and they are noisy – with pots, pans and placards. They’re American and they’re so positive. There are lots of kids out there waiting for high-fives.”

Rebecca signed up for the marathon to raise money for the UpsideDowns Education Trust, an organisation helping families of young children with Down syndrome.

Her inspiration was four-year-old Ryan Mora, the son of one of her best friends Melanie.

“I was 26,733rd and did it in 4 hours 21 minutes 13 seconds,” says Rebecca. “I was really pleased with my time and did as well as I could. It was the whole tears in your eyes, I can’t believe I finished this thing.”

The 36-year-old’s fundraising target was $10,000, but support from family, friends and the community exceeded all expectations and helped her to a grand total of $15,083.

The money will be used to provide a year’s speech therapy for up to six children with Down syndrome.

Melanie has known Rebecca since her school days and says she has been humbled by her friend’s “extraordinary efforts”.

“Everyone is busy these days just keeping up with their own lives,” says Melanie.

“The fact that Rebecca undertook this project and committed so much time in support of our family and so many others whose lives have been changed by Down syndrome still blows me away. She is a truly special friend.”

The jet-setter, who has a penchant for shopping, was accompanied on the trip to the Big Apple by her husband Mark.

He told the Gloss that he’s “incredibly proud” of his wife’s achievement.

“The hours she put into training were incredible and she was so unbelievably focused on her schedule and end-goal.

“I saw Rebecca twice on the run and every time I saw her I felt immense pride seeing her realise her dream and achieve her goal. She continues to inspire and amaze me every day.”

He says thanks must also go to his wife’s running coach Jon Ackland, Damian and Cathy Halforty of Power-Station Gym in Howick, and Soar Printing for producing fundraising flyers.

With running no longer at the top of her priority list, Rebecca says she’s going to keep it up for the sake of her New York frocks.

“I want to keep the figure,” she says with a smile.

By Rebecca Gardiner

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Best running jacket from north face
Written by Dey Lee, on 22-12-2011 23:31
I love hiking and running. In winter i like wear north face jacket to running. it is lightweight, comfort, and warm.

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