Kane Cornes is used to the physical grind.
But the 7NEWS commentator and former Port Adelaide star is facing one of his biggest physical challenges yet; two marathons in five days, all in the name of Telethon.
Cornes completed the first half of his double-marathon at Sunday’s Perth Running Festival in a staggering 02:54:37 before preparing to set sail for Telethon’s inaugural 42km Rotto Run on Thursday.
The Telethon ambassador said his main focus now was recovery, which remarkably included a 40-minute cycle and 20-minute run.
He said that breakfast included four eggs and a stack of pancakes, before re-starting his carb-load again on Wednesday.
“I had a good time at the Crown Spa today, I had a sauna, steam room, spa and then had a 90-minute massage,” he said.
“I did 40 minutes on the bike and then a 20-minute run on the treadmill today, and then I just got out for a long one-hour walk this afternoon.
“I just tried to keep moving because I didn’t want to lie down and seize up all day, so the quicker you get moving, usually the better you feel.”
And if a double-marathon wasn’t hard enough, Thursday’s run will include a series of challenges including trivia and the iconic quokka selfie.
The endurance feat will include four laps of the island, including the premier’s lap, during which Cornes will run 10km alongside Premier Roger Cook.
Cornes said Thursday’s run wasn’t about hitting a goal time, rather enjoying the day with his family and soaking up the Telethon spirit.
“I think the atmosphere is going to be awesome. (Rottnest) is obviously such a special place, so to have the kids involved and lots of different activities . . . I think it’s going to be pretty special,” he said.
Cornes said he was inspired to get involved after watching the Telethon spectacle last year, saying Telethon weekend was “one of the best things I’ve ever experienced”.
“I was having a chat with the team and I said, ‘What can we do that’s bigger next year?’ And I’m always keen to put myself through a physical challenge, so they came up with a concept and we have got some amazing sponsors behind it,” he said.
“When you see the smiles on the kids’ faces . . . I was more than willing to say yes and come over again and experience what I think is one of the best two days on the Australian calendar, all for such a great cause.”
The 59th annual Telethon will take place at RAC Arena on Saturday October 17 and Sunday October 19, with the action broadcast live on Seven and 7Plus.
Those wanting to support Cornes can donate to Telethon here.