FKT: Cherise Bell - Brisbane to Melbourne (Australia) - 2017-12-10

Athletes
Route variation
Standard route
Gender category
Female
Style
Supported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
31d 12h 53m 0s
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Due to complete a 32 day run from Brisbane GPO to Melbourne GPO on December 11 2017. 
Tracking and evidence can be found here: www.facebook.com/LFRFRepeat/

Spot tracker and Garmin forerunner 620 used throughout.

Here's one newspaper account: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/cherise-bell-finishes-1657km-ultra-marathon-from-brisbane-to-melbourne/news-story/3a078ed775b89d643d93e6dcd53227c0

WHAT started with a trek to work to beat the public transport crush has ended with an inspiring cross-state accomplishment — and a stunning world record.

Cherise Bell on Monday finished an epic 1657km ultra marathon challenge from Brisbane to Melbourne.

“It’s a little bit surreal,’’ she admitted.

“I suspect it will probably sink in with the days to come.’’

The 33-year-old conquered the personal challenge in 32 days, blitzing the previous time set by a Filipino man by five days.

Ms Bell said out on the run on November 10 raising more than $10,300 for the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

“There was a day where I had an issue with my Achilles, so physically a few concerns, but mentally I think I stayed strong,’’ Ms Bell said.

“I’m just trying to figure out what I’m capable of and where there is a bar that has been set that I can beat.’’

Ms Bell ran more than 50km each day, starting from around 7am.

She is the first known female to have completed the feat in record time.

Partner Melissa said she couldn’t be prouder.

“There was never any doubt she could do it,’’ she said.

“She warned me that she to expect a few tears along the way, that she might get cranky.

“But the longer she ran the stronger she became.

“She was doing PBS and feeling better every day.

“It became a personal goal for Cherise. She was not a born runner or a true athlete ... she just refused to catch public transport — it just escalated from there.’’

In recent years, Ms Bell has competed in ultra marathon events around the world, including the gruelling Marathon De Sables in the Saraha Desert and, locally, the Upstream 50km Challenge from the city to Donvale.

“For Cherise it has always been about testing her limits, not just of her body but also her mind.

“It’s been really special to witness.’’