TWO endurance runners have set out on a 10 month long challenge to be the first Brits to run round the perimeter of Australia.
Jack Pitcher, 28, from Bracknell, and Joshua Smith, 21, from Reading are taking part in a historic event, Project Perimeter.
Both share a passion for adventure, fitness, and for giving back.
They also have a history of completing ultra-endurance events, and show a tendency to attempt the impossible.
They intend to complete the entire route around mainland Australia over the course of 10 months, running 30 miles daily.
Just to be clear, this is more than a marathon, every day.
Starting in the heat of the Northern Territory in Darwin, they will travel clockwise around the island through Sydney and Melbourne, then across the blistering heat of the Outback, to the rainforests of Queensland, and the cliffs of Western Australia.
They aim to raise funds for two charities; borough group ARC Counselling, and UK charity Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA), through their efforts.
Jack said: “We decided to do something massive for a cause that changes people’s lives.
“We’ll be pushing our physical and mental limits to show people what we are all truly capable of, and that life is too short to not take the opportunity to do something good.”
Joshua added: “This ultra-run is not just about breaking records, but also about making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who benefit from the charity’s work.”
They will cover 14,000km, and hope to raise £375,000 for ARC Wokingham Youth Counselling, which provides accessible, free and subsidised counselling services.
A further target of £125,000 will go to SSAFA, which supports and offers guidance to veterans post service.
Jack said: “I want to change the narrative of depression and show people that you shouldn’t be scared of failure if you’re not scared of dying.
“I think people who suffer with their mental health are the most fearless people out there and that’s the message that needs to be spread.”
Running around the perimeter of Australia presents numerous challenges, including extreme weather conditions, isolation, wildlife encounters, and the sheer physical toll of running day after day.
They will need to navigate deserts, coastal roads, and unpredictable tropical storms, all while maintaining their endurance.
Jack said: “You should always dream big.
“You don’t have to be anything special to dream and to inspire.
“Inspiration can come from anyone and anything.
“There’s nothing special about me, I’m just a lad from Bracknell.”
Jack and Joshua and their team would be grateful to hear from businesses and individuals willing to support them, and say that sponsors will have their brand featured in updates, photos, and across the team’s social media platforms.
“Let’s do this,” they said, “We’ll see you at the finishing line.”
For more information, and to sponsor Jack and Joshua, email:
[email protected], and visit: www.givestar.io and search for project-perimeter
To learn about the two charities they are supporting, log on to: www.ssafa.org.uk and www.arcweb.org.uk
