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Running an Olympic-distance marathon is a feat for anyone, let alone 25 times over 25 consecutive days – and in some of the country’s most remote environments.
Two Cairns locals will set out to conquer this mammoth task in June, embarking on a 1000-kilometre run from Port Douglas to Pajinka (the tip of Cape York).
Taking on the challenge in the name of men’s health, Jamie Candler and Ash Currie are aiming to raise $40,000 for charity organisation Movember.
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Mr Candler, an accomplished long-distance runner and Ironman competitor, said it’s something he’s wanted to do for a long time.
“The idea of running up the Cape to the northernmost tip of mainland Australia has been rattling around in my brain for a number of years,” he said.
“It just never seemed like the right time, which is an easy place to find yourself in.
“Then it dawned on me – the run needed to be about more than me.
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“That's why we partnered with MOVEMBER for Port 2 Pajinka.
“They understand the importance of good mental health and are doing amazing things in that space to help break the stigma around mental health.”
The cause is one held close to both runners.
Mr Candler works for AFL Cape York House Foundation, particularly in the organisation’s reach to Groote Eylandt, while Mr Currie is a Senior Constable in the Queensland Police Service.
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“Three times as many First Nations people under 18 years of age die by suicide as other young Australians, and 12 times as many First Nations children under 15,” Mr Candler said
“These rates are simply too high.
“The collective emphasis of Movember on improving men's health, specifically men's mental health, I feel will surely impact these statistics in a positive manner.”
Alongside their fundraising goal of $40,000, Mr Candler said the duo is hoping to raise awareness of men’s mental health.
“To help make the magic happen we are also looking for cash donations or donations of product/merchandise that we can utilise to help cover the cost of facilitating the project,” he said.
Mr Candler and Mr Currie plan to run the 1000-kilometre distance through Far North Queensland from 18 June to 10 July.
You can support the pair’s challenge here.
Main points
- Cairns locals Jamie Candler and Ash Currie will undertake a 1000-kilometre run from Port Douglas to Pajinka
- The pair are embarking on the challenge in the name of men's mental health
- The distance equates to 25 Olympic-distance marathons over 25 consecutive days
