The fact that Cops Running For Charity will be once again running in a faraway land to support local charities is not new. However, this run will be a departure from their usual effort to punish their bodies beyond what most people would do for exercise.

They usually opt for running over sand dunes, volcanoes, or China’s Great Wall. This time, the men will be running a regular marathon of 26.2 miles on actual pavement. While that pales in comparison to some of their previous achievements, the topography of the route will provide plenty of challenges. The race is called the Buller Gorge Marathon, and will take place on the South Island on February 9th. The team is focused on the task of running the marathon and raising money for several local charities.

The group has run hundreds of miles in preparation for, and during, marathons. They also have raised well in excess of $200,000 for the benefit of those among us who need it the most. They have a commitment to their community and to physical fitness that has spanned decades. All six runners pay for their own expenses, including the cost of travel. That leaves behind every dollar they raise for the charities they have chosen.

In 2012, the team raised $50,000, which they will disburse among several charities when they return from New Zealand.

The team is also beginning their fundraising efforts for their next marathon, which will take place in Burma in November 2013.

With their latest run, they will have completed marathons on six of seven continents. That leaves only Antarctica for them to conquer. Eventually, they plan to run there too. As one would expect, there’s an organized race on the polar ice cap as well.

The runners are: Commander Randy Pentis, Commander Tim Hagel, Captain Paul Higgason, Captain Dave Kenney, Sergeant Frank Underlin, and Sergeant Joe Devorick.

Anyone interested in more information about CRFC can contact Commander Randy Pentis at (805)947-8067 or by e-mail at randy.pentis@ventura.org.