In the early hours of Thursday morning (May 1) Whitsunday local Fran Hurndall set off on an incredible journey from Cottesloe Beach (Western Australia) to Sydney.
She will run 3,800 kilometres east to raise awareness and funds for domestic and family violence support in Australia.
Fran is aiming to do the run in a record time of just 34 days, running 110km per day, for 12-14 hours a day. Fran will burn an average of 8,000 calories a day and tread through more than 10 pairs of shoes as she makes her way to Sydney.
If she completes the run and reaches Sydney in early June, Fran will set a new world record and become the first woman to complete this feat in under 40 days.
Fran’s inspiration is her sister, a survivor of domestic violence and her chosen charity is RizeUp Australia, an organisation providing life-saving support for families impacted by domestic violence. Her goal is to raise $1 million to make a difference to the lives of women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.
“In Australia, two out of every five people have been exposed to domestic violence, and one in every five women has experienced family violence. Last year, one woman died every four days on average at the hands of her intimate partner or former partner,” she said.
“I’m calling on all Australians impacted by domestic violence to start reaching out and speaking up and hopefully this will make it easier for people to break their silence and come forward.
“The most beautiful thing is that by doing this run I've given my sister a voice to start her healing journey and that’s what I hope others will be able to do.
"Most of us know someone who has been affected by this kind of abuse – myself included. That’s why every kilometre I run will represent the strength of those who have endured abuse, and every donation will help provide essential support to those in need."
Fran is no stranger to setting world records and making a much-needed impact in the process. In 2023, she captured national attention when she dribbled a football nearly 1,000km from the Gold Coast to Sydney.
As a professional athlete who was scouted to represent England at just 15, the 2023 campaign raised funds for Women Sport Australia and highlighted the importance of women in sport during the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
For more information and to make a donation, visit www.reachoutspeakupchallenge.com.au
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