Run Reid is the brainchild of local businessman James Reid and has been developed to formalise his approach to fundraising for local charities.
James is the co-owner of Docs Mega Save Chemist at Marketown, Newcastle and was the Winner of Hunter Business Awards Young Business Executive 2013.
In 2001 James had a serious snowboarding accident and fractured vertebrae in his spine. Through hard work and some serious determination James made a full recovery from his serious injuries. From that day onwards he has appreciated that the life you live can be more fragile than you realise. As a result he has set his sights on physical challenges for himself and his friends to raise money for charities around the world for those less fortunate than himself. He is a firm believer than everybody can do extraordinary things if they put their minds to it, and have the right support and determination.
In April 2013, James participated in the Marathon Des Sables, which is referred to as the toughest foot race on earth, running more than 250 kilometres in over 50 degree heat across the Sahara Desert. He also had to carry a 15-kilogram backpack containing his food and supplies for the six-day trek.
Previous to this epic adventure James has competed in four North Face 100 kilometre ultra marathons through the Blue Mountains, one of the toughest ultra marathons in the world, raising money for charities on each occasion.
Now James wants to raise money in an ongoing manner and has created Run Reid to do so. It is the intention that Run Reid develops a new and innovative fundraising event each year, as well as compete in smaller events for anyone who needs his help.