Why would anyone choose to run 52 half marathons in 52 weeks... for children they'll probably never meet?

Aly Robertson started running because it was cheap, accessible and required little more than putting on a pair of shoes and heading outside.

Then running became something much bigger. After completing 42 half marathons in 2025, Aly decided to attempt 52 in 2026... roughly one every week. But this time, he wanted them to mean something. So he began raising money for KidsCan, supporting New Zealand children living in material hardship.

There was just one additional rule: keep it interesting.

That has meant running a half marathon at midnight while listening to a horror soundscape, drinking litres of milk, consuming wine and cheese, letting dice determine his distance, and even turning the donation of his hair into a 21.1km adventure.

If running has ever started to feel a little too serious, Aly's story might remind you just how much fun you can have with 21.1 kilometres.

Follow Aly's journey: https://www.instagram.com/alyplods/

Learn about KidCan: https://www.kidscan.org.nz/

In this episode:

• Why running appealed as a cheap and accessible way to exercise.
• The spontaneous first half marathon that changed how Aly saw himself.
• How a breakup led to a period of “relentless self-improvement.”
• Raising money for KidsCan and the reality of child poverty in New Zealand.
• Why every half marathon needs its own concept.
• Why Aly believes a run is ultimately what you make it.

🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable:

http://runbelievable.au

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap!

☕ Enjoying Runbelievable?

If the show has kept you company on a run, you can help keep the stories coming:

https://buymeacoffee.com/runbelievable

About Runbelievable

Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.