Three into 12 does go

RUNNERS: High school buddies Sunil Unka, left, Stuart Prill and Simon Jones are attempting to complete 12 races in one year to raise money for the Cancer Society.

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Three long-time mates have challenged themselves to finish 12 running events this year to raise money for a worthy charity.

The team, who call themselves 3Dozen, completed their seventh race, the Takapuna Half Marathon, on July 11.

All three members Sunil Unka from Ponsonby, Simon Jones from Onehunga and Stuart Prill from Glen Innes are raising money for the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

Mr Prill says they decided to raise money for cancer because Mr Unka's aunt died of cancer and Mr Jones' mum has been diagnosed with cancer recently.

All three have been friends since they were 15 years old and met through college.

They all try to encourage each other with training but try to beat each other in races, says Mr Prill.

He is the only team member who entered marathon races before the formation of 3Dozen.

He says it has been okay meeting training requirements for events each month but it is getting harder in winter.

Mr Jones and Mr Prill clocked in the Takapuna Half Marathon race at 135 minutes and Mr Unka came in soon after at 147 minutes.

The three have raised about $4500 for the Cancer Society so far.

3Dozen's next big challenge is the Xterra Auckland trail run in Whitford next month.

They then plan to do the Auckland Marathon in October.

To support 3Dozen go to www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/running4cancer to make a donation. You can also join their Facebook page www.facebook.com 3Dozen – pushing the boundaries for cancer.

- © Fairfax NZ News