Sport
22 May, 2026
Seven marathons in seven days
INSPIRATIONAL runner Sari-Elle Kraemer left Warrnambool early Wednesday morning on day three of her ‘seven marathons in seven days’ campaign to raise funds for Lions Assistance Dogs.
The big-hearted athlete, who left Geelong last Monday, will cover more than 300 kilometres on foot between Geelong and South Australia; completing an incredible seven marathons in seven days by this Sunday.
It is her aim to raise awareness of the importance of Lions Assistance Dogs, while also raising some vital funds for the “four legged volunteers.”
As a Lions Australia ambassador, Sari-Elle’s efforts coincide perfectly with this week’s National Volunteer Week (May 18-24) festivities.
“These assistance dogs change lives right across Australia,” she said.
“I’m hoping to raise $70,000 to support the development of a new National Training Centre for Lions Assistance Dogs in the Adelaide Hills.
“This will help the organisation significantly increase the number of hearing assistance dogs, medical assistance dogs and psychiatric support dogs it can provide to Australians in need.”
According to Sari-Elle, the new facility is expected to quadruple the number of dogs trained and placed each year, expanding Lions Assistance Dogs’ capacity from around 30 dogs annually to up to 120.
She has become known for combining endurance running with purpose-driven fundraising, previously raising more than $126,000 through the Everest Marathon where she also placed third in the foreign female category and seventh overall.
She has also completed several other runs for Lions projects since then, including for Lions youth camps and Lions Skin Cancer Foundation.
“National Volunteer Week is about recognising the incredible impact volunteers make in communities across Australia, and I wanted to use this challenge to also shine a light on some very special volunteers - our assistance dogs,” Sari-Elle said.
“Lions Assistance Dogs trains and places hearing assistance dogs, medical alert dogs for diabetics and psychiatric assistance dogs with Australians in need in the community free of charge to the recipients.”
These dogs dedicate their lives to helping people live more independently and confidently every single day.
“These dogs really are four-legged superheroes changing lives across the country,” Sari-Elle said.
“Three of my favourite things in life are running, making a difference, and dogs and this challenge brings all of them together.
“Every single kilometre is about raising awareness and funds so more Australians can receive a life changing assistance dog at no cost.”
Sari-Elle said ultra-running had taught her that we’re all capable of so much more than we think.
“Sometimes it’s as simple as putting one foot in front of the other and if that inspires someone to get involved, donate or even just believe they can push further in their own life, then that’s amazing.
“Lions is an organisation that allows you to make a real difference in so many ways, and I’m proud to be able to shine a light on some of the incredible work happening right across the country.”
Each dog costs $40,000 to train and place, making fundraising efforts like this critical to meeting growing demand.
With a national network of more than 1,200 clubs and over 25,000 members, Lions Australia supports communities across the country through initiatives ranging from assistance dogs and disaster relief to youth programs and medical research.
Those who wish to donate can visit https://lionsassistancedogs.raiselysite.com/sarielle.
