Starting at Queens Wharf Brewery in Newcastle, I ran following the Great North Walk to Macquarie Place Park in Sydney, crossing the water sections between Patonga to Brooklyn and Woolich Wharf to Circular Quay by boat, with the first crossing being done by Justin and Tarrah Connors and the second being by Majestic Water Taxis. Having pacers for various sections including Jody Whitehead from Queens Wharf through to Teralba covering just over 25kms. Leigh Murrell from Teralba to Wakefield. Matt Bell from Heatons Lookout to Mcleans. The humble legend and previous record holder Grant Brisbin from Congewai through to Somersby covering 75kms. With Steve Domonkos from Somersby towards Mooney for around 5kms. With Matt Bell jumping back in from Mt Wondabyne through to Patonga. Then Brad Smither and Leigh Murrell from Brooklyn through to Cowan where Brad jumped out and Leigh kept going through to Galston Gorge. Followed by Alexis Tate from Thronleigh through to Lance Cove, with Hayden Carter jumping in for around 5kms. Then Brad Smithers from Lane Cove through to Woolwich Wharf, with Clinton Cooper meeting up around 3kms from the wharf, running the last 3kms to the wharf. The crew consisted of Brad Smithers, Alexis Tate, Nigel Moore, Hayden Carter, Kirrily (K2) and Matt Bell. Along with David Byrne, Chris Byrne and Alex Begetis being at various locations shooting a documentary on the run.
This run was meant to be a dual FKT attempt running Newcastle to Sydney then returning back to Newcastle but due to getting a respiratory infection during the run, it was decided at Crosslands once my condition was worsening that it would have to be finished at Sydney only covering one direction.
With additional crew and runners, Nikki Burke, Mitch McDonoughvic, Nik Adamson and Jeremy Rankin, along with physical support by my massage therapist Rebecca Tucker and Physio Tim Paine, not making it to the trails due to the stoppage at Sydney.
This run was done to raise awareness about Mental Health in support of the Black Dog Institute.
Please never under estimate the importance of checking in on your mates, the smallest of gestures can have the greatest of impacts!