Jillian Edwards is on a mission that defies limits—both physical and mental. She is set to run the width of New Zealand twice in an awe-inspiring challenge called Coast to Coast to Coast. More than just an ultra-endurance feat, Jillian’s run is dedicated to raising funds for UN-Women NZ, supporting women in crisis.
We sat down with Jillian to talk about her journey, the challenges ahead, and what drives her to take on this extraordinary challenge.
You are about to take on something incredible – what’s the mission, and what was the moment you decided ‘I’m doing this’?
The mission is a 90km run from Wynyard Quarter to Whatipu Beach and back, running the width of New Zealand twice to raise money for women in crisis through UN-Women NZ.
I knew I wanted to run an ultra last November, but I also wanted to run with a purpose. When I got connected with UN-Women NZ, I was beyond stoked—I knew this was the perfect partner to put purpose behind every step.
Every journey has that defining moment—the one that truly tests you. When do you expect to hit your toughest challenge, and how are you preparing for it?
The truth is, with any ultra, you never know what the toughest challenge will be. I may think it's the 3,600m of elevation that will blow up my legs, the strong New Zealand sun making me sun-sick, or my nutrition not sitting right. There are a million things that could go wrong.
I can prepare for some of them—training for elevation, wearing hats and sunscreen, testing out gels before race day—but the true test comes from the unexpected. Challenges that are uncontrollable are only overcome with a strong mind. I truly believe that with the right mindset, anything can be conquered. So, to prepare for my greatest challenge, I’m preparing my mind to endure.
If you could have any person—celebrity or not, past or present—pace you for a stretch, who would it be and why?
Truthfully, if I could have anyone in the world pace me, it would be my sister and coach, Kat Edwards. We started our ultra journeys together. She has been there for every step, encouraging me, training me, and never failing to believe that I can do hard things. She paced me in my first 100-miler, and I’ve been at almost all of her races.
Her strength and wisdom in running would be a dream to have during this journey. She knows exactly what to say when things get tough and brings a calming presence. Unfortunately, she lives in the U.S. and can’t make it to New Zealand for the run.
A’PAIR is all about empowerment and pushing past comfort zones—how has training for this challenge reshaped what you thought you were capable of?
Training for this run might actually be harder than the race itself. It’s a daily choice to get up, go out, and run—no matter what. If I’m tired, I run. If I’ve had a long day, I run. If my body is sore, I run.
I’ve learned not to rely on motivation to reach my goals. Instead, I rely on my mental strength and the purpose behind this project. Every time I don’t feel like training, I remind myself why I’m doing this—and that gets me out the door.
Training for Coast to Coast to Coast has taught me that with a strong enough "why," I can push past any barrier. Running across New Zealand is uncomfortable, but I’ve become comfortable with being uncomfortable, because every ounce of pain has purpose.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone who’s thinking about taking on their own challenge but hasn’t made the leap yet?
Don’t let fear stop you from starting. Most people ask themselves, “Can I even do this?” and stop before they even try. Do not limit yourself before you begin. Your ability to endure and take on challenges is far greater than you can imagine.
Once you start, there will be daily or weekly tasks to complete. They’ll be hard, boring, and frustrating at times. My advice? Reduce resistance to those tasks. For example, I lay out my running clothes the night before. That way, when I wake up and don’t feel like running, I see my clothes there and have no excuse. It’s a simple trick, but it makes a world of difference. Reduce resistance to habits you want to build and increase resistance to habits you want to break.
How can people be part of your journey—whether it’s following along or actively getting involved?
You can follow the journey on Instagram @j.e.edwards, @socialgraffitimedia, TikTok, and YouTube. You can also donate to the cause via the link in my bio or through the UN-Women NZ website.
The full documentary will be released on Social Graffiti Media’s YouTube channel, so stay tuned!
Jillian’s journey is more than just a test of endurance—it’s about using her voice and platform to support women in crisis. Every step she takes is one of purpose, resilience, and empowerment. We can’t wait to see her conquer Coast to Coast to Coast and inspire countless others to chase their own impossible dreams.
