Speaking to SBS Gujarati, the 20-year-old said, "I will be running more than 330km over the space of a week, which means a marathon every day."
Highlights
- Stephanie Ho will run from Canberra to Sydney to raise funds for Shree Mahalaxmi School in Nepal this July.
- Ms Ho visited Nepal in 2019 and taught English at the school.
- The Sydney-based 20-year-old hopes to provide the school with new equipment and learning resources.
By completing the run in July, Ms Ho hopes to raise funds so that Shree Mahalaxmi School can build a mini science lab and a computer lab fitted with projectors.
The school is located in Baseri, a rural village to the northwest of the capital Kathmandu.
To assist her in reaching her goal, she has set up a GoFundMe page.
Ms Ho with students of Shree Mahalaxmi School in Nepal. Source: Supplied by Stephanie Ho
Born to run
Ms Ho said she has always enjoyed running, but recently the exercise has taken on more meaning.
"It was something I did for fun, but it wasn't until late last year when I got into marathons. It's a nice personal challenge. But it is also an excellent way to raise funds and awareness," she said.
"For me, it will be about coping with the mental rigours of the same sort of movement day in and day out. I will be running on a highway alone.
"It will be lonely, but hopefully, I will make it," she said, adding that she'll take extra precautions to avoid injury.
Preparations are well under way, she said.
"Currently, I am running seven to 30km four to five times a week. Apart from running, I do yoga, swimming, strength work in a gym and cycling for 50km twice a week to keep myself fit."
Logistically, she also faces many challenges as she'll require four support crew members and two campervans for a total of nine days on the road.
Stephanie taught English at the Shree Mahalaxmi School in Nepal during her visit in 2019. Source: Supplied by: Stephanie Ho
The motivation
Ms Ho travelled to Nepal in 2019, where she spent two weeks trekking to Everest base camp. She then joined Shree Mahalaxmi School to teach English.
During her weeks at the school, Ms Ho noticed that even though the students enjoyed learning, there was so much room for improvement.
She said every cent she raises will go towards helping the school to acquire new learning resources and equipment like beakers, crucibles and Bunsen burners.
"They [students] didn't have enough materials and equipment. Moreover, the attitude of the teachers was a bit eye-opening for me."
Growing up in Australia, I always had easy access to books and more advanced technology, but students in Nepal didn't have the same privilege.
"I believe that resources are essential in fostering knowledge. Thus, I felt for the students who wanted to learn more.
"After the run, I will fly to Nepal to deliver essential equipment to the school," Ms Ho added.
Stephanie visited Antarctica at the age of 14. Source: Supplied by: Stephanie Ho
Future adventures
Ms Ho's adventurous spirit is not limited to marathons.
At 14, Ms Ho visited Antarctica, and the harsh polar environment captured her imagination. Over the years, she has also fulfilled her passion for the outdoors through hiking and climbing.
Next on her bucket list, Ms Ho is planning to ski across the Greenland icecap in May 2023, where she will cover 540km over 30 days.
