Sean Cox

Blue September is just around the corner, and I’m preparing for the toughest challenge I’ve ever taken on: 30 triathlons in 30 days.

This isn’t just about testing how far I can push myself. Every swim, ride, and run is about raising awareness for a disease that affects thousands of Kiwi men and their families.

👉 Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men. Too many lives are being cut short because it isn’t detected early enough.

I want this challenge to spark conversations, the kind that encourage men to get checked, talk openly, and maybe even save lives.

Your support makes a real difference:

💙 Funding groundbreaking research

💙 Providing care and support for men on their cancer journey

💙 Spreading awareness so early detection becomes the norm

Every donation, every message, every share fuels me through this challenge, and more importantly, it fuels the fight against prostate cancer.

I’m asking you to stand with me this September. Not on the course, but by backing the cause.

Massive thanks to @meridabikesnz @coppinsoutdoors @maxxisnewzealand @maxxisbike for making this possible.

Blue September is just 5 days away, and I’m gearing up for the biggest challenge of my life: 30 triathlons in 30 days.

I’m not doing this just to test my endurance. I’m doing it because every swim, ride, and run is a chance to shine a light on a disease that impacts thousands of Kiwi men and their families.

👉 Prostate cancer is now the most diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men. Too many dads, brothers, sons, and mates are being lost because it’s caught too late.

This challenge isn’t just about me, it’s about creating a conversation that might save someone’s life.

Your support has real impact:
💙 Funding vital, life-saving research
💙 Providing help and hope to men during diagnosis and treatment
💙 Raising awareness so more blokes get checked early

Every donation, every share, every word of encouragement is fuel that keeps me moving forward, and more importantly, helps tackle prostate cancer head-on.

This September, I’m asking you to join me. Not on the start line, but by donating.

This is made possible by the support of @meridabikesnz @coppinsoutdoors @maxxisnewzealand @maxxisbike

Hey guys, I just wanted to give you a quick update and a massive thank you. Ten years ago, I lost my dad to cancer, and ever since then, I’ve wanted to do something special in his memory.

 At the beginning of this year, I set out on a big challenge: riding from Auckland all the way down to Stirling Point in Bluff on the Tour Aotearoa route. The bike I used wasn’t even built for that kind of riding; it was my daughter’s Merida Crossway 20 with a Bontrager back rack and an Aero Spider front rack, loaded up with about 10 kilos of camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, mattress, and cooker. 

Honestly, I thought for sure I’d snap a spoke or get a flat, especially on the Timber Trail, but unbelievably… nothing went wrong. Not a single mechanical issue. Fast forward to about a month ago, I saw the promotions for Blue September, and I decided I wanted to dedicate the whole month to raising funds and awareness. 

My challenge? 30 Olympic-distance triathlons in 30 days. Training was going well until about a week ago when disaster struck. During a short training ride, my derailleur hanger snapped, causing the derailleur to become entangled in the rear wheel. The derailleur was bent, and basically, that was game over. 

Sam and Jordan from @meridabikesnz saw my post and reached out. Honestly, I thought they might offer to repair the bike. But to my complete surprise, they went above and beyond, they supplied me with a brand new bike. Within just a few days it had arrived. Then Peter from @CoppinsOutdoors in Motueka stepped in, assembling the bike free of charge and even organising upgraded tyres through @MaxxisBike to keep me puncture free. 

That same day, I was back on two wheels. Without the generosity of Sam and Jordan from @meridabikesnz, Peter from @CoppinsOutdoors, and @maxxisbike , this challenge would never have got off the ground. Having this level of support is not only humbling, but it also inspires me every single day to keep pushing forward.

Very exciting news landing in the next couple of days… Full support from Peter at Coppins Outdoors in Motueka and Merida Bikes New Zealand 🙌

Blue September is just around the corner. I’ll be taking on 30 triathlons in 30 days..

This Blue September, I’m pushing my limits not for the sake of the challenge itself, but to start a bigger conversation.

👉 Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Kiwi men. It’s taking too many good people.

Your support makes a real difference:
💙 Funding life-saving research
💙 Providing support for men going through diagnosis and treatment
💙 Raising awareness so more blokes get tested in time

This isn’t just about me crossing the finish line. It’s about us tackling prostate cancer together.

🙏 Donate if you can. Share this with someone you care about. Every action counts.

#BlueSeptember #30in30 #MeridaBikesNZ #CoppinsOutdoors #ProstateCancerAwareness

Well, the broken bike saga continues, but with a twist. I’ve managed to get hold of a replacement. It’s not exactly flash, it’s not built for style, and honestly, it might even be a bit ugly… but you know what? It’ll get the job done.

And that’s the whole point, isn’t it? As Lance Armstrong once said, “It’s not about the bike.” In fact, it’s not even about me. This challenge isn’t about whether I’m riding the perfect machine or whether my setup looks sharp. It’s about something much bigger—fundraising for Blue September and tackling prostate cancer head-on.

The truth is, a clunky bike is just an inconvenience. A snapped derailleur, a borrowed frame, or an ugly ride doesn’t matter in the long run. What matters is that too many Kiwi men, dads, brothers, uncles, mates, are lost to this disease every year.

Your donation isn’t about helping me ride smoother or look better on the road. It’s about funding research, raising awareness, and making sure more men get tested early. That’s the mission. That’s why I keep pedalling, no matter what bike I’m on.

So if you haven’t already, please consider supporting. Share the page, chip in what you can, or simply spread the word, it all helps.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about bikes. It’s about saving lives.

Let’s tackle prostate cancer together.

Training doesn’t always go to plan. Last week, my rear derailleur hanger snapped on my bike, a small but crucial piece that keeps everything running smoothly. For now, I’ve rigged up a simpler setup to keep the wheels turning.

But here’s the thing: this journey was never about having the perfect gear. It’s not about carbon frames, fancy gadgets, or everything working seamlessly. It’s about showing up, day after day, with what you’ve got, and pushing forward anyway.

That’s exactly what this challenge is about. It’s not me, not the setbacks, not even the kilometres, it’s about raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer.

Every training ride, every run, every swim, every broken part I have to fix along the way, it’s all for something bigger.

Ten years ago, I lost my dad to cancer. This September, I’ll take on 30 triathlons in 30 days to honour him, and to fight for the thousands of Kiwi men still in the battle.

Your donation helps fund life-saving research, provide support for men in treatment, and raise awareness so more blokes get tested early. That’s what matters. That’s why I keep going, even when the gear doesn’t.

So if you can, please support this mission. Share it, donate, tell a mate, it all makes a difference.

Because a broken bike is just an inconvenience, a life lost too soon is not.

Let’s tackle prostate cancer together!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DNPcvuiRQkT/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Vlog on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/dprX81bN-Ts

Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/15360144027

This morning’s ride reminded me why I signed up for this challenge in the first place. It was a crisp 9°C when I rolled out, but honestly, it felt incredible just being out there, fresh air, wide open space, and the rhythmic peace that comes with turning pedals. The cold bites a bit, sure, but when you're surrounded by the beauty of nature, it’s hard to complain. 

Normally, I stick to my usual loop, a solid circuit just shy of 40 km, but today I decided to push a little further. Curiosity got the better of me, and I took a turn up a road I hadn’t explored before.

I had a feeling it might turn to gravel... and it did. Rough, unpredictable, but kind of perfect. About halfway in, I ran into a reminder that nature always has the final say. The recent flooding had taken the road out, but I spotted a footbridge nearby. Detour accepted. It wasn’t the route I’d planned, but it was exactly the ride I needed.

 All around me? Apple orchards. Row after row of them. I was right in the heart of orchard country, and it made the ride even more peaceful—just me, my bike, and the hum of quiet countryside. But here’s the thing that really hit me today. Yes, training like this is a joy. Yes, I love being outside. But it’s also a privilege. There are so many people, men especially, who would give anything to have the health, the freedom, or the opportunity to be out riding. And that’s what Blue September is really about.  This ride, like all the others I’ll be doing, is for them. It’s a reminder to check in, to support each other, and to raise awareness around men’s health. Even a mid-week ride has meaning when it’s tied to something bigger.

 I’ll be sharing more updates as the weeks roll on, maybe even a full video of the bike course, but for now, it’s back to the basics: ride, reflect, and remember the why behind every kilometre. 

 Thanks for following the journey.

Tomorrow is August 1st, and that means we’re just 4 weeks away from Blue September. Time to get serious about training.

I’m in decent shape but to take on this challenge properly, I need to shed a few kilos and lock in a structured training plan.

Right now, I’m running around 50 km a week and biking about 150 km. But to meet the demands of this challenge, I’ll need to ramp that up to 70 km running and 280 km cycling per week. Oh, and let’s not forget the swim.

This isn’t about high-end gear or expensive tech.No carbon-plated running shoes. No $10K time trial bike with aero wheels. I’ll be doing this with regular gear, the kind of stuff you’d find in most Kiwi garages. A standard road bike. My trusty old training shoes. Just me, showing up.

Because this challenge isn’t about flash.It’s about commitment.It’s about honouring my Dad.It’s about raising awareness and funds for the fight against prostate cancer.

Why I'm Doing This?

Ten years ago, I lost my dad to cancer. He was 73. Not a day goes by without a moment of “He’d love this” or “Wish I could ask him that.”

Grief doesn’t disappear. It just changes shape.

In 2021, I laced up and ran 73 km through Riverhead Forest on what would have been his 80th birthday, no race, no crowds, just a promise kept.

Then, I rode 3,500 km solo from Auckland to Bluff. Two months on the road, alone with my thoughts, my bike, and the open country. And earlier this year, I hiked the Annapurna Circuit, crossing the 5,416m Thorong La Pass, step by step, breath by breath, memory by memory.

Now, I’m back on home soil for Challenge Three. Starting September 23rd, the day my Dad passed, I’ll be completing 30 triathlons in 30 days, finishing on what would have been his 84th birthday.

Will You Support Me This Blue September?

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Kiwi men. It’s taking too many good people.

This September, I’m using my body to spark a conversation and hopefully, raise funds that can help save lives.

Your donation helps

* Fund life-saving research 

* Provide support for men going through diagnosis and treatment 

* Raise awareness so more blokes get tested in time

This isn’t just about finishing the challenge.It’s about starting something bigger.

Donate now.Share this with someone you care about.Let’s tackle prostate cancer together.

Training and Event updates are posted here:

Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/198223

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seannnz/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seancoxnz

Ten years ago, I lost my dad to cancer; he was 73. Not a day passes that I don’t think, He’d love this, or Wish I could ask him that. Grief doesn’t disappear. It just finds new places to live. At first, I didn’t know where to put it. In 2021, five years after my last big endurance challenge, something inside me stirred. I signed up for the Taupō Ultra Marathon, scheduled for October 16th, which would have been Dad’s 80th birthday. But when lockdowns shut the country down, the Taupo ultra was postponed to Dec 19th. On the day itself, I laced up, packed light, and ran 73 kilometres, one for every year of his life through the tangled trails of Riverhead Forest. No finish line. No crowds. Just a purpose.https://www.strava.com/activities/6119111215 

Doing this is a privilege, I reminded myself, again and again, as my legs turned over in the silence. Many fighting cancer never get the chance. That solo run cracked something open in me. A new dialogue began, between loss and momentum, between memory and movement. This year marks a decade since he passed. And something deeper called. I didn’t want to commemorate him by standing still. So I rode. Challenge One: Bikepacking 3,500 km from Auckland to Bluff, solo, unsupported. Just me, my bike, a tent, a sleeping bag, and a tiny stove. For 2 months, I pedaled through wind and wonder, rain and resolve. At times I felt invincible; other times, like a man unraveled. Every hill climbed was a metaphor. Every descent, a release. https://www.strava.com/activities/13349207073 

And I came to see that cycling, like life, doesn’t demand perfection, only presence. It doesn’t care how fast you go, only that you keep moving. Some days I rode with strength, chasing sunlight through valleys and along open coastlines. Other days were quieter, head down, legs aching, skies grey. But I kept turning the pedals. Not to escape the past, but to embrace what was unfolding. With each kilometre, I felt something shift, a softening, a deepening, a quiet return of belief. By the time I reached Bluff, I hadn’t just completed a journey, I had reconnected with something vital. Not just endurance, but hope. Not just distance, but direction. What began as a ride to honor the past became a ride toward what’s next, with a clearer mind, a steadier heart, and a renewed sense of what’s possible.

Then I flew. Challenge Two: Trekking the Annapurna Circuit, from Besisahar to Muktinath via the Thorong La Pass. Five weeks on foot, tracing ancient trails carved into Himalayan cliffsides, beneath skies that shifted from sapphire to steel. Every step brought altitude, and with it, awe. The mountains were cathedral-like, vast, solemn, indifferent. They didn’t care who I was or what I carried, only that I walked with humility. Along the way, I met the Nepalese people, quietly resilient, warm beyond words. A smile, a shared cup of tea, a nod of understanding that crossed language. In stone villages and sacred valleys, I passed spinning prayer wheels, fluttering flags, and temples folded into the earth like secrets. There’s a stillness in those places, a sense that time moves differently, or maybe not at all. At the Thorong La Pass, 5,416 metres above sea level, the wind cut through everything, except the memory of why I’d come. To honor Dad. https://www.strava.com/activities/14152090992 

Challenge Three begins this September. I’ll be completing 30 triathlons, or the equivalent distance in swimming, cycling, and running, over 30 days. Day after day, turning up. Brutal? Absolutely. But it’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up. It’s about motion as medicine. It’s about proving that rebirth doesn’t need to be dramatic, it can come through discipline, repetition, and the quiet act of choosing to begin again. In the end, these journeys aren’t about endurance. They’re about renewal. They’re about reclaiming hope, not as a vague, fluffy concept, but as a muscle we can strengthen. A fire we can feed. A path we can walk, even when we’re not sure where it leads.

Training and Event updates are posted here:

Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/198223

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seannnz/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seancoxnz