Swapping to the Highest Mountain
13th November 2007 

Local Manukau runner Harry Escott later on this month will compete in the Everest Marathon.

The marathon is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest marathon in the world. The start line is at Gorak Shep 5184m, close to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. The finish is at the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar at 3446m and the course is a measured 42 km over rough mountain trails.

"It is like a dream come true," says Harry. "I wanted to enter the marathon several years ago but the timing was not right for me. I am delighted that this time everything has lined up and I am able to do it."

Preparation for the marathon has been intense and has required careful planning with regards to diet and exercise. This is an arena where Harry has a lifetime of experience. Prior to his arrival in New Zealand Harry was a world ranked boxer and a fitness instructor for people with serious issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

In New Zealand Harry is putting his knowledge and experience to good use. He is currently a community ambassador for Let's Beat Diabetes where he is talking to local community groups about swapping to healthier lifestyles.

"For me my personal challenge is Mount Everest, but everybody has their own personal mountain," says Harry.

"Part of my role is to provide encouragement for people to set goals with regards to becoming more healthy and active. For some people their challenge is to climb Mangere Mountain, and for others it because they have make to make changes to their diet because of health issues. The reality is whatever the mountain is, it is about being committed to taking small steps."

Tony Kake, Community Liaison Manager for Counties Manukau District Health Board, says "In Counties Manukau we have serious issues that we as a community must face, in particular, the incidence of obesity and the longer term health implications of being overweight."

Harry has been a strong advocate for the Swap2Win campaign messages to increase physical activity, reduce portion sizes along with sugar and fat intake.

"Harry has provided real inspiration to our communities that with effort ordinary people can do extraordinary things."