Kayla Smith and Liz Sutton stepped up to the start line for the Harry’s King of the Hill event in Pyalong.
In doing so, they raised more than $5800 for the Deniliquin Can Assist branch.
One of the toughest endurance challenges around, competitors must do a 4.2km course with a 266m of uphill elevation each hour, on the hour, from the start of the event until they physically can’t continue.
The lap-based ultra marathon challenge is referred to by organisers as “Australia’s ultimate test of physical and mental resilience”.
“I think the winner did 90 laps and 90 hours,” Kayla said.
“Last year’s winner was 76 laps but compared to last years’ course one extra kilometre had been added.
“I heard of it last year myself when training for a half-marathon, but the timing didn’t quite work out, so when Liz mentioned she’d signed up for it I went ‘alright, I’ll have a go too’.”
Training was a challenge because of Deni’s flat terrain, but they did their best.
“In the end we did a lot of the stair climb machine at the gym, endurance training and weight training.
“About two months ago I went to Pyalong for a recon run to see the course, and it looked just as brutal as they say it is.
“The main thing you notice is how steep it is, and most of the course is just a climb.”
The size of the challenge didn’t scare Kayla or Liz away, rather acted as an opportunity to raise money for a cause close to home.
In 2021, Kayla was diagnosed with large B-cell mediastinal lymphoma, a cancer diagnosis that changed her life.
She was supported by Deniliquin Can Assist through that period.
“When I decided I was going to do this run if I was going to do this, we decided to raise money and give back to Can Assist who supported me.
“Our goal was just $1000, and I thought that would’ve been a struggle.
“All of it goes straight to the Can Assist Deniliquin branch to help some more local families get through some tough times.”
When it came time to do the course, Kayla and Liz achieved nine laps combined across nine hours.
“We started Saturday at 9am. It was insane, but I just enjoyed it,” Kayla said.
“Liz got through to the fourth lap, powering on after starting to struggle in the third.
“I got through the fifth lap and was thinking ‘do I attempt another one?’. I went into the weekend with a bit of a calf injury, so I was happy achieving that.
“Overall, the event had a great atmosphere, everyone supports each other as you’re all struggling up a hill together.
“You see in regular half marathons, everyone is kind of just doing their own thing whereas in this, there are no headphones, no music you all struggle through it together.”
Despite it being an arduous challenge, Kayla said they’ve already registered for next year’s event.
“With another 12 months of training, and maybe some travel for that, we should be good to go back.
Kayla and Liz are still accepting donations. Go to https://www.mycause.com.au/page/378582/king-of-the-hill.
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