Bondi Rescue stars trade the surf for the mountain

Best known for bravery and larrikinism in the water, six Bondi Rescue television stars will soon trade the surf for the land, participating in the kunanyi Mountain Run’s 68km Ultra marathon.

Best known for bravery and larrikinism in the water, six Bondi Rescue television stars will soon take to the tracks of kunanyi/Mount Wellington.

In a battle of the brawn, Andrew “Reidy” Reid will compete in the solo event as part of the kunanyi Mountain Run’s 68 kilometre Ultra marathon and another five lifeguards from the Network 10 series will compete as part of the group relay event.

The two teams will soon see who can complete the epic course quicker, with the April 9 marathon to be held on the challenging rocky landscapes of this ancient mountain.

The 42-year-old triathlete has been running at least 40 kilometres each week since January, after recovering from COVID-19.

Despite the health setback, Mr Reid is determined to give his colleagues and mates a run for their money.

“I don’t know if I can beat them, but they haven’t had much time to prep for it,” he said.

Bondi Rescue television series stars Andrew "Reidy" Reid (left) and Quinn Darragh will run a marathon on kunanyi Mount Wellington.

Bondi Rescue television series stars Andrew "Reidy" Reid (pictured) and five others will run a marathon on kunanyi Mount Wellington.

“I’m quietly confident that I can do some damage to them, and maybe go close.”

Mr Reid is no stranger to extreme physical challenges, competing in one of the world’s toughest adventure races, the Red Bull Defiance in Queensland, three times.

The Ultra marathon is set to be a challenge for both solo and relay participants, with runners to take a course up, across and over the mountain, covering almost 4000 metres of elevation over the 68 kilometres.

In the team relay event, each lifeguard will run a leg of the 68km course ranging from 11 to 20 kilometres.

Jethro James, another iconic Bondi Rescue star, said he had only recently returned to running after competing in 1500 metre and cross country events in his late teenage years.

“I love running but don’t really have the motivation until something like this comes up,” Mr James said.

“I’m a bit of a cowboy trainer, I strap on my shoes and I yell at myself.

“I say I have to do it, otherwise Reidy will flog me up the mountain.”

The other four Bondi Rescue stars in the group event are Quinn Darragh, David “Skeney” Skene, Lachlan McArthur and Clint “Clipper” Kimmins.

For further information and registrations visit www.kunanyimountain.run/