The Christchurch man said the win has ‘helped massively’ with financial burdens.

While they have been derided by many sectors of the public as dangerous, for one RunIt competitor, the phenomenon is putting clothes on the backs of his young children.

Champ Betham was the winner in the second night of trials in Auckland, taking home $20,000 and earning a spot on the plane to Dubai for the inaugural event in the Middle East.

The Christchurch man said the win has ‘helped massively’ with financial burdens.

“We got to pay off some debts and stock up the fridges and the cupboards, food for our little ones, especially with the economy and stuff like that here in New Zealand. Nothing’s cheap these days.”

He said with the coldest time of the year around the corner, he was blessed to have some relief for his whānau.

“We got to stock up on winter clothing and stuff for our babies and just finally having a full fridge. It was just awesome, not having to stress about it for a wee while.”

Public backlash toward ‘run it straight’ competitions has been fierce, many lamenting its risk of serious brain injury.

This was exacerbated following the tragic death of a teenager imitating the game in Palmerston North.

Those to have spoken out against the practice include doctors, athletes and both New Zealand Rugby and Rugby League.

However, Betham said it was the opportunities given to men like himself which were overlooked.

“I think that’s what the public don’t really see is that it’s hard these days working long shifts and your pay cheque still doesn’t really cut it. So this is a massive blessing to a whole heap of us to pretty much try and win 20K or whatever for a couple hours’ work.”