On December 31, 2011, I embarked upon a run around the world. This run is expected to take nearly two years, and will cover over 29,000 km. I will be raising funds for charity as part of the effort. In simple terms, the event will encompass running the equivalent of 700 marathons in 700 days.
I began in Sydney at the Opera House, and will be finishing at precisely the same place. I will be heading in a predominantly easterly direction around the world until I arrive back in Sydney. I will be running on every continent other than Antarctica, and will be crossing the Rockies and the Andes, running in latitudinal extremes from the equator to the Arctic Circle, and crossing deserts like the Nullarbor.
I am lucky enough to have a support crew accompanying me for the duration of my journey. My wife, Carmel, and our good friend, Libby, will be “driving the course”, transporting our gear and providing me with drinks and food when necessary. Carmel will also be chronicling the trip with her amazing photography.
Guinness World Records has defined the criteria for officially achieving the world record for the “Fastest Circumnavigation of the Earth on Foot”. It is my intention to adhere to all the GWR criteria. Why? Because obeying a third party’s rules takes away the subjective nature of the definition – no-one can accuse me of making up my own rules. Incidentally, the actual record is unclaimed to date – no one has yet successfully completed such a run to GWR’s satisfaction.
There are, however, a few other runners who have been, or are currently, involved in similar runs. However, they are not following the GWR rules for one reason or another. Guys like Tony Mangan, Jesper Olsen, and Pat Farmer – all much better ultra runners than me – are like-minded people with a similar taste for adventure and a clear love of being out on the road – not just seeing the ever-changing countryside, but hearing and smelling it too, and all at a pace which allows you to really appreciate the experience.
As of early February, 2012, I had completed the New Zealand leg of my run, chalking up 1,894 km. The North American leg will be the longest, and is expected to take between February and November. I am currently looking for potential sponsors for this component of the run. If any corporate entity is interested in being involved, please be in touch via this website.
