Yonni Kepes

Tuesday, November 08, 2016



Q. Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do for a living?


Hi! I’m Yonni Kepes and I’m a 16-year-old Ultra-distance trail runner from Christchurch, New Zealand. Aside from my running I’m a student and and involved with youth local politics. 

Q. How do you balance your exercise regime and your professional life?

Having school is always hard, but I try to run mostly afterschool. Weeks can be depressing when school takes over, but it’s great to get into the mountains for 6 hours on the weekends. Normally holidays are great for me as I can clock big weeks on foot.

Q. When and why did you start running?

I started running in 2009 at the age of 9. It was just short road events at the start as I got older I turned to the more rugged, mountain, long distance events. I started running simply because my dad runs and it was something we enjoyed doing together. Now I run both for those reasons but because I enjoy it and I’m good at it. 

Q. What motivates you to go out there, when you do not feel like it?

The thought of excitement being out on the trails, and enjoying nature take over you.

Q. What is the longest distance you have ran?

Full marathon, but by the time this is posted, I will have finished (hopefully) a trail 50km. 




To test speed after many days of vertical climbing, it’s good to get out and test your speed in your legs. 

Q. What do you think about the lack of exercise among the youth?

I could go on for ever… ;) It’s a total shame really, I mean instead of me ranting on, maybe I’ll just say; there really missing out on something aren’t they!? 

Q. What was your best running experience?

SkyRocknRun 2016 Mountain Marathon (Oceania Skyrunning champs) – 1st placed Under 18 overall. 

Q. What was your worst running experience?

I guess the highs and lows you can get when your racing. Sometimes you feel amazing, othertimes you feel crappy! 

Q. How do you push through the pain?

Keep going… and think of a burger at the end! 

Q. What advice can you give somebody who wants to start running?

Lace you shoes up and run… Don’t think about it, do it. JUST DO IT 
Q. Which Social media sites are you on and how can one follow you? 

Twitter: @yonnikepes

Instagram: @yonnikepes

Blog: https://yonnikepesrunningblog.wordpress.com/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yonnikepesathlete

Check out OSM NZ – Great goodies, and get 40% off your first subscription pack. Thanks to them for fuelling me! www.osm.nz/yonni

#RunRevolution

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