Meet Katie Hodge from Pikowai, near Whakatāne, who is doing just that, competing in this year’s 2 Day Individual category on February 9th and 10th. Born with biliary atresia, a liver disease, Katie's journey took her to Australia for a transplant just after her first birthday on April 1, 1994.

The significance of her medical journey deepened in 2008 when she spent half a year at Starship Children's Hospital in Auckland for bile duct reconstruction—a major surgery for a small individual. Amidst challenges, Katie encountered incredibly positive yet sick children and their families, forging a profound appreciation for the dedicated support from the doctors and nurses at Starship Children’s Hospital.

With several years of overseas adventures under her belt, Katie has chosen the gruelling Kathmandu Coast to Coast as the stage for her personal milestone. Her mission is clear: celebrate three decades of a new liver and inspire others to persevere through adversity.

For Katie, it's not just a challenging race; it's an embodiment of the Kiwi spirit. With its tough terrain, unique camaraderie, and iconic status in New Zealand's sporting landscape, the Kathmandu Coast to Coast encapsulates the ethos Katie wants to share. “I picked this event for a few reasons: It's hard, it's fun, and it's an iconic NZ race. There's a really cool ethos and community built around the event, and I'm excited to be part of it,” she says.

Inspired by the high level of care she received, Katie is giving back by raising money for Starship Children’s Hospital. “Starship became a beacon of hope during a challenging time in my life,” she says. “I felt extremely grateful for the support I received from the doctors and nurses at Starship, which is why I felt inspired to give back. It helped me in a very difficult time in my life.”

As she takes on this monumental challenge, Katie hopes her journey will encourage others to keep pushing, keep trying, and never give up—regardless of health or life challenges. "I never thought I would be one of the crazy ones doing it, but here I am," she adds.

You can support Katie with her fundraising journey by donating online at https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/transplant-birthday-celebrations. Download the Kathmandu Coast to Coast App to follow Katie on race day. Her race bib is #706.