Marjorie Orr is doing it for the animals.
The 64-year-old plans to run the Dunedin marathon tomorrow.
She competed the event four years ago, but this time she has an extra incentive to go the distance.
The animal lover is raising money for the SPCA.
She has already secured "about $200 to $300" in sponsorship from her friends and colleagues, and hopes to raise more money at the end of today's run.
"I did the full marathon fours years ago when I was 60," she said.
"So I know it is a huge challenge. But I seemed to be able to keep trundling on.
"I thought, as an extra incentive to complete it, I would try and raise money for the SPCA because I've been working for them as a volunteer for about 30 years."
A veterinarian, Orr took to the pavements 10 years ago to help keep fit and for recreation.
Eventually, she decided to enter some races and has completed "quite a few" half-marathons.
She finished her first marathon in 4hr 14min and hopes to beat 4hr 30min this time around.
"If I do less than 5hr, I'll be happy," she said, laughing.
Her training was hampered by a stomach upset last week and, while she has "bounced back", she acknowledged feeling nervous about her ability to complete the picturesque 42.2km course.
Orr has been working at the SPCA as an education officer part-time for the past 12 months.
Her two adopted dogs, Kudos and Moose, accompanied her around the region's schools to help spread the message.
She has also adopted a horse and two cats.
"That's one of the risks working up here - you get lots of animals."
