ACT police officer takes on 24-hour running challenge for Police Legacy

He wakes before his alarm most mornings at 4am to fit in a run before getting his four kids ready for the day and heading to work as an ACT police officer.

It's been months of preparation pushing his body to the limit that has readied Seargeant Reis to take on a "crazy" challenge of running for 24 hours straight.

He hopes to cover about 180 kilometres around Lake Ginninderra from 5pm Friday through to 5pm Saturday.

The challenge is part of the annual Run4Blue campaign for Police Legacy, a cause close to Sergeant Reis' heart which supports families of police members who have died.

"Having worked with a number of members who unfortunately aren't with us any more, seeing the work that I do, inspires me to do something a bit out of the norm to try and raise awareness and raise money," Sergeant Reis said.

"It's a very tight-knit community, pretty much like a second family so whenever there is a death in that policing community it affects everyone."

Sergeant Reis is no stranger to a challenge. He first took on Run4Blue last year, setting himself the task of running a half-marathon every day of May.

He hoped his latest idea would draw attention and raise funds for the cause.

"People are a bit more likely to pay attention to something a bit crazy and a bit out of the norm," he said.

He won't be alone on the track, as two other police officers have committed to the 24-hour trial and several others will jump in for shorter bursts.

An aid station will be set up so they can stop for a few minutes to rehydrate and refuel.

He said the company will help him stay focused and tackle the mental challenge the run poses.

"It's just as much a mental challenge as it is a physical challenge," he said,

"If you can stay in a positive mindset the physical side is worth it."

Sergeant Reis has been preparing for months. He hasn't had a day off running since December.

"A lot of my runs have been practising running while fatigued to get myself in that ... head space of learning to teach my body to push through while I'm already tired," he said.

He isn't sure what challenge he will set next year, but has already come up with a few ideas.

"Someone told me they would double their donation if I doubled the time on my feet. I'm not sure whether 48 hours is a thing, but we'll see," he said.

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