Kane Cornes to open double marathon effort for Telethon with Perth Running Festival

AFL legend and broadcaster Kane Cornes is set to embark on a gruelling challenge of running two marathons in five days as he takes to the streets of Perth on Sunday, all in the name of raising money for Telethon.

The Telethon ambassador has set himself the goal of running the pair of marathons in the week leading up to Telethon, with the first to be run at the Perth Running Festival.

Just four days later he will take on another 42km for the Rotto Run for Telethon where he will be joined by a cast of friends including Premier Roger Cook, Triple M breakfast hosts Xavier Ellis and Katie Lamb, and none other than Fat Cat.

Cornes said he was willing to put his body on the line for a good cause.

“Telethon is unlike anything else in this country,” he said.

“I’ve seen what it does for kids and families in WA, and once you’ve seen that up close you want to find a way to help.”

The former Port Adelaide midfielder will be joined by one-time rival turned fellow Channel Seven commentator Luke Hodge, who is set to skydive over Rottnest during the second run.

Hodge said he jumped at the opportunity to help in more ways than one.

“Any time I am asked to be a part of Telethon I jump at it because of the cause and the funds they have raised over the years. Unfortunately, I can’t get there for the weekend so I thought I’d come over early and do what I can,” he said.

“So I was more than happy to come over and jump out of a plane. I’m not too bad with heights. I’ve jumped out of a plane before, but it was overcast, so I didn’t really get to see much.

The amount raised from the marathon challenge will be revealed during the 59th annual Telethon on October 17-18 at RAC Arena, with the action broadcast live on Channel 7 and 7plus.

Those wanting to support Kane’s challenge can donate to Telethon here.