seven days running on a treadmill

On June 16th 2024 at 09:00, I stepped off the treadmill for the final time after seven gruelling days.  Not only was this a Guinness World Record attempt but also a huge fundraiser for The Speed Freaks charity.  During the week we raised over $16,000 to help support people recovering from addiction through running and walking.  At many times during the challenge, it seemed like the record was out of sight.  Watch this epic film by Josh from Upstream Films to see what happened.
If you knew you couldn't fail. What would you do?

It wasn't until I set a huge goal, teetering on the edge of impossible, that I really started to learn what's achievable. 
​We're all capable of so much more than we realise.  What would you do if success was guaranteed?
Emma’s event was incredibly popular and we got the largest number of participants for any of our events, with some incredible feedback from those participants. Emma has a natural talent for motivational speaking and the popularity of her event is testimony to that.
Gemma Stubbs, Royal Geographic Society

'Leaving school I had no idea what I wanted to do, so at the age of 18 I left home to travel the world.  Little did I know that this decision would sculpt the rest of my life.  A love for adventure was born and an excitement to discover more about myself and the world around me.'

'After quite a few adventures by bike and on foot it was time to up the ante.  I really wanted to find out where my limits were.  I took a step into the unknown and set a goal I didn't know was possible.  Announcing this to the world took courage and I felt extremely vulnerable.  It was amazing.  If we aren't setting goals that are almost impossible then are we setting goals high enough?'
Emma Timmis

​"Emma as an inspirational speaker not only shares a powerful message but does so with a genuine desire to uplift and motivate others"
Development West Coast

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Using lessons from over a decade of ultra-endurance challenges, I create unique speeches to meet the needs of each client.  Whether your group is large or small, in person or online, I have stories to inspire your team.

ARTICLES

Grab a cuppa, take a seat and enjoy reading the articles written about my adventures and challenges over years.

​Achievements

2024: Unofficial Guinness World Record 'Greatest Distance on a treadmill in one week' completing 846.16km
2023: Guinness World Record 'Greatest Distance on a treadmill in 48 hours' completing 340.36km
2022: New Zealand long distance trail running champion
2021/2022: Guinness World Record 'Fastest Crossing of New Zealand on foot' 20 days, 17 hours, 15 minutes and 57 seconds
2020: Published 'The Girl Who Ran Across Africa' children's book
2019: Operation on leg after struggling for years
2017: Guinness World Record 'Longest Journey by Elliptical cycle in a single country'
2016: Fastest Known Time to walk the Australian Alpine Walking Track (female)
2015: First person (with a friend) to rollerskate across the Netherlands
2014: First person to run 3974km, Namibia to Mozambique, across Africa
2011: First female to run across South Africa (2400km Pietermaritzburg to Cape Town)

children's BOOK - the girl who ran across africa


​In 2018, I had to give up my job as a rock-climbing instructor due to a long term leg injury.  As I wasn't able to spend long durations  on my leg, I committed to turn my biggest adventure to date into an inspiring children's book.  I wrote, illustrated and self-published The Girl Who Ran Across Africa.  If you'd like to grab a copy click this link.

At first glance it may appear this book is about the adventure across Africa but underneath that is a journey of Emma overcoming challenges, setting big goals and believing in herself.  Through this book I want to encourage young children to believe they can accomplish anything they set their minds to and realise that obstacles along the way are part of the adventure.

​Looking for something to listen to?

I've been interviewed many times over the years.  Check out these podcasts while you're out for your run or walk!