BASSENDEAN resident Tom Radonic will run Kalamunda’s Mundy Regional Parkrun course 42 times in a row next Saturday to raise funds in the fight against leukaemia.

The run will total 210km with 8849m of elevation equalling the height of Mount Everest, in an effort to raise money for Australians fighting blood cancer through donations to the Leukaemia Foundation.

Mr Radonic is aiming to raise $17,698 and has raised just over $6000 so far and hopes the final push will bring the count closer to the mark.

The event will begin at 8am with Mr Radonic dedicating the run to the late runner Jeff Hansen whom he knew personally.

“Kalamunda’s such a beautiful course and it was Jeff Hansen who was one of the three people who helped mark that course,” he said.

“He used to say, ‘It’s only 42 laps until you conquer Everest’.

“Ever since we had that conversation, it’s stuck in my brain and I finally decided to do it.

“He’s just a great bloke and we’ve had fantastic conversations and it was sad that his struggle was over that quickly.

“Jeff passed away from leukaemia, and I’m dedicating this challenge to his memory and to all those affected by blood cancer.”

Mr Radonic spoke with Echo News about the ways marathon-running paralleled the rhythm of life and how it held lessons about the outlook people can bring with them through times of hardship.

“I’m sure people know marathon running is hard, but it’s a great way to push your own boundaries and see what you’re made of,” he said.

“People always say they can do this and do that and that’s easy when you’re sitting in an armchair but the only way to find out is by doing it.

“When you’re on a long run, once the sun goes down and you’re running around in the nighttime it really hits home with mental side of it.

“You’re waiting for that sun to come up or that finish line to come into view or find some sort of out.

“Every fibre of your being is screaming and wants you to get away from it but the only way to finish it is to keep going.

“It’s a bit like life and it can be absolutely (terrible) sometimes and absolutely great at other times but as long as you’re moving, you’re going the right way.”

Mr Radonic is calling on Perth Hills community members to show up, cheer, contribute and support the effort in funding research equipment, patient accommodation and scholarships for cancer researchers.

“Feel free to come down for a couple of laps if you’re keen,” he said.

“Anyone’s welcome to join me on the trail and the more the merrier.”

Mr Radonic said he’s done over 150 laps of the course in the lead up since January to prepare for the challenge.

He said he wanted to raise funds to provide specialised care for families in need and to enable cancer research.

“I’m an ultra-runner who feels most alive on the trails, and I’ve set myself a personal challenge to push my limits for a cause close to my heart,” he said.

“This challenge is in honour of Jeff Hansen, the incredible man who created this epic route.

“Jeff was a pillar of the trail running and parkrun community, and his passion lives on in every step we take on that course.”

Donations supporting Mr Radonic’s marathon run may be made to the Leukaemia Foundation through this donation page.