Sam starting out on his preparation for his 2027 Big Brain endurance run down the length of the north island.
Follow my journey
@sams_bigbrainrun
The Big Brain Run is a 1,300 km charity endurance run down the length of New Zealand’s North Island, from Cape Reinga to Wellington, in support of brain cancer research. It will take place at the start of 2027 and run by me, Sam Saunt-Lord.
The Inspiration for the Challenge
This challenge is inspired by my cousin Georgie and her experience after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in 2023. It will see me complete 25 consecutive ultra-marathons, averaging approximately 50km per day, and connecting with the brain tumour sufferers along the way, listening to their stories, whilst raising NZD100K and awareness for brain cancer research.
The foundation is looking for sponsors and announcing partners soon.
Why Brain Cancer Research
Little is known about brain cancer, whilst it is the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of forty1, it only receives only 1% of cancer research funding in the UK. New Zealand has no data on the allocation of research funding for brain cancer. Brain cancer research desperately needs your help.
All proceeds from Sam’s Big Brain Run will go directly to brain cancer research in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Brain Tumour Research, UK. Data based on England: Cancer Registration Statistics, England 2020 – NHS Digital (Accessed 2022, October 20). Wales: Cancer mortality in Wales, 2002-2024 – Public Health Wales (Accessed 2025, September 17). Scotland: Cancer Mortality Annual update to 2022 – Public Health Scotland (Accessed 2025, August 19).
Campaigning for Brain Cancer Research
The Big Brain Foundation (BBF) is based in Aotearoa New Zealand and is inspired by Georgie’s determined brain tumour battle and her desire for more to be done on brain cancer research.
“Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.”
Brain Tumour Research, UK