Another year, another big run ahead for Rhys Blissett.

The 18 year old has tasked himself with running 300 kilometres in four days - from Rolleston to Timaru, and back again.

“I’d love to do it in three, but I’m giving myself four days,” he said.

Blissett is the founder of Run for Change, an organisation that began with a small personal challenge last year, where Blissett ran 137 kilometres and raised $16,000 for domestic violence victims.

“[During] my last run, I had quite a few people coming and sharing their stories of domestic violence as well,” he said.

That prompted him to expand Run for Change beyond the mutli-day marathon.

The organisation now runs other small events, supports personal training for new runners, and has started a podcast featuring survivors of domestic violence.

But this Saturday is the main event.

“There’s not a heap different from last year apart from the distance; This time it’s 300 kilometres.”

Blissett will start his journey in Rolleston, running through Ashburton and ending the downward leg at Caroline Bay in Timaru.

After that he’ll turn around and head to the finish line in Christchurch’s Hagley Park.

His last run was a team effort, but this time, Blissett is running solo (aside from a few mates who will join him for the Christchurch stint).

“I’ve got a truck following behind; I’ve got a support team that will be there for the whole three or four days,” he said, “so I’ll have people with me.”

He’s had to up the intensity of training to get fit enough to run more than double the length of last year’s challenge.

“I definitely think my fitness has improved, and my overall mental capacity as well.

“My biggest thing is injury prevention, that’s what I’m really trying to focus on.”

Blissett’s goal this year has focussed less on raising funds, and more around awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence in New Zealand.

“It’s a super important cause to me; from my past experiences, growing up, throughout my childhood, I was involved in domestic violence.

“It took a big toll on me, so it’s about turning that into something good.”

But becoming an advocate for victims of violence has seen some sour types come out of wordwork.

“This year we’ve got a bit more hate towards the run, not what we’re doing, but the cause.”

Blissett said he’s had to go to the police about some threats, and while he suspects most commenters are all talk, he appreciates the safety of the support vehicle.

“These people probably wouldn’t do what they say, they’re keyboard warriors.”

He doesn’t pay much mind to them - he’s got a bigger beast to focus on.

All the money he raises through his Givealittle page goes straight to Women’s Refuge.

“Woman’s refuge has a $20 campaign going,” he said, “where $20 covers one woman for a safe night.”

“This year I was more aiming for awareness; I’m just grateful for anything.”

Blissett sets off for his run this Saturday, October 25.

By Anisha Satya