What would it take to shape your entire year? For Scott Casey-Wooldridge, the answer was 168 kilometres, all in one day.
On Friday 20 June, Scott completed his very own misogi, a Japanese concept meaning “a single challenge so tough it shapes the rest of your year.” His version? Four back-to-back marathons:
• 42km ski
• 42km row
• 42km cycle
• 42km run
That’s four back-to-back marathons (a total of 168km) driven by heart, hope, and a mission to make a difference.
Breaking the Cycle
Scott’s challenge was about far more than fitness, it was personal.
Over the past year, Scott began his own therapy journey to unpack childhood experiences, and came to understand how intergenerational wounds had shaped his life.
“I think there's a lot of people in the same boat. And it's about just giving the resources to the younger generation who are coming through so that we can kind of break that stigma.”
His goal was ambitious: $51,100, enough to fund one free counselling session every day of the year for a young person. While he didn’t hit that number, his incredible efforts raised $7,320 which will help fund counselling sessions through Gumboot Friday.
“It’s Bigger Than Me”
Scott had never completed a marathon before taking this on. He skied, rowed, and cycled on stationary machines, then finished with a marathon run around Ōtepoti (Dunedin).
“I wanted to push myself, to see what I’m made of, especially mentally. And when it got tough, I reminded myself: this isn’t just about me. It’s bigger than me.”
Support from his mates, Percy, Tiny, Moody, Sio, and Pete, kept him going. So did the thought of every young person who might get the help they need because of this effort.
A Message of Hope
Scott’s courage to share his story and turn pain into purpose is exactly why he’s one of our Hope Heroes. He’s shown that vulnerability is strength, and that one person’s effort can create ripples of change.
He also called out the stigma around mental health in New Zealand, especially for young men.
“People say, ‘Harden up’ or ‘Don’t be soft.’ But your reality is your reality. Talking about it is one of the strongest things you can do.”
Scott’s advice to anyone struggling?
“Talk to someone. A mate, a counsellor, whoever you trust. You’re not a burden. Your reality is valid.”
From all of us at I Am Hope: thank you, Scott. For your strength, your mahi, and your message. You’ve inspired more than you know.
