In 2008 Lisa, after having already completed
internationally in extreme endurance races for the past 13 years,
became the first New Zealand woman and fastest ever New Zealander
to complete the legendary Badwater ultramarathon, widely regarded
as the toughest footrace on earth. Lisa returned from the United
States in July 2009 having completed this gruelling race a second
time and improving her time and ranking to number 8 and finished in
an impressive time of 37 hr 14 mins.
Lisa was also named the 2009 Maori sports woman of the year and
is the reigning 24hr ultramarathon national champion.
Lisa released her autobiography 'Running Hot' in October
2009 and shortly after ran the length of New Zealand (approx
2,200km) to raise funds for CanTeen and CureKids as well as
encouraging New Zealand kids to get active.
Young people who are facing the terrifying
challenge of cancer need all the support they can get and so do
their families. CanTeen does an awesome job across New Zealand
making sure they are supported, encouraged, inspired and not alone
in their fight. Kia Kaha!
Lisa Tamati, CanTeen Ambassador