Running Beyond Limits
Presentation by Paulina Zäck
3.000 Kilometres Alone Across New Zealand
What happens when you simply start running – and refuse to stop?
In 54 days, 9 hours and 48 minutes, Paulina Zäck crossed New Zealand on foot along the legendary Te Araroa Trail – 3,000 kilometres, self-supported and alone, carrying only five kilograms on her back. In doing so, she set a new Fastest Known Time on one of the world’s most diverse long-distance trails.
Each day meant ultramarathon distances through ancient forests, volcanic plateaus, alpine ridgelines and endless coastlines. She crossed rivers, faced heat and storms, and experienced long stretches of profound solitude.
In her presentation, Paulina shares more than statistics and landscapes. She speaks about inner dialogue, about doubt and resilience, and about the moments when mental strength becomes more important than physical endurance.
In the spirit of the InterFaith Weekend, her journey becomes a reflection on connection: to nature, to vulnerability, and to something greater than oneself.
An exploration of limits.
A story of perseverance.
A reminder of what becomes possible when we dare to keep going.
---
Paulina Zäck is a German anthropologist and long-distance trail runner. She is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Cologne, investigating long-distance hiking as a modern form of pilgrimage and its social, cultural and personal significance. In 2025, she ran the entire 3,000-kilometer Te Araroa Trail across New Zealand self-supported in 54 days, 9 hours and 48 minutes, setting a new Fastest Known Time. With nearly 10,000 kilometers of experience on various long-distance trails, her research and athletic projects combine physical challenge with reflection on resilience, ritual, community, and the human search for meaning.
---
Organisation: EwB
Cooperation: Centre de Formation diocésain Jean XXIII, InterFaith-Run-For-A-United-World, AGIR Action – Groupe – Inter-Religions
.
---
More information here.
