These boots were made for running

At Monos’ we are proud to have team members who extend their passion for the community far beyond the work site.

Kiran is one such individual.

He joined Monos as a painter blaster with our Energy team in 2023. But, in his spare time, Kiran has turned endurance challenges into a mission to give hope and help to those who need it most.

Inspired by his late grandfather, a proud World War Two Gurkha veteran, Kiran draws strength from a family legacy of courage and determination. He recalls how his grandfather persevered through life despite incredible hardships.

“My late grandfather, a WWII Gurkha veteran, is my hero,” Kirun said.

“His war stories of hardship during the war were really inspiring. Sadly, he passed away with complications from diabetes. My family cared for him every time he came to the city for his diabetes complications treatment.”

In 2011, Kiran took his first step by running a fundraising marathon.

“Diabetes WA was the first charity that I did my fundraising Marathon in honour of my late grandfather in my combat kit,” Kirun said.

Since that very first challenge, he has taken on a variety of events, ranging from half-marathons to ultra-endurance events, each running event chosen with thoughtful care.

Whether it is supporting causes close to his heart, such as mental health, diabetes or Alzheimer’s care, his charity work is as determined as his every step. He often jokes that he likes matching numbers, with each distance and weight in the challenge reflecting a personal story or tribute.

“I try to do at least one fundraising run (half marathon, marathon or Ultramarathon) every year, depending on my schedule/roster,” he said.

“Once I have found and locked my target (charity and the event to fundraise for) it's all set! Nothing except illness and mishaps can change that, even if it means taking time off work.”

Soon Kiran will race in the Bravehearts 777 Perth Marathon. This charity event, which supports a cause that cares for sexually abused children, will see him take on the challenge in full personal protective equipment, complete with a respirator and a three-litre Camelbak.

“This is a seven-marathon event in seven cities over seven days, starting in Perth and ending up in Gold Coast,” he said.

“This will be a warm-up for my 24-hour Ultramarathon in September for Legacy WA - aiming to raise $110k by doing at least 110 km in a gas mask (S10 respirator) carrying my khukuri to commemorate 110 years of Gallipoli landing.”

It all began when his supervisor mentioned a friendly challenge, that spurred him on to join the team.

The race is set to start at seven in the morning from Burswood Park along the scenic Swan River, where colleagues with a view are sure to spot the unmistakable orange coverall. Kiran has a target of six hours and thirty minutes to complete the marathon.

The support Kiran receives from his colleagues keeps him motivated. Time after time, team members share donation links, offer words of encouragement, and celebrate his unique training sessions, which sometimes take him to the helicopter deck, as he prefers this over treadmills.

“Treadmills are not built for running in boots!” he said.

For Kiran, it is these acts of community spirit that underline his belief in the power of giving back.

When asked for advice for anyone considering a charity endurance event, Kiran is refreshingly candid. He believes that the human body is incredible, provided the mind is engaged.