Brooke McIntosh, a 29-year-old avid runner, embarks on an extraordinary challenge as she aims to become the fastest woman to run around Australia. Starting her journey in Perth, she will cover an ambitious distance of 14,000 kilometres over six months, averaging 80 kilometres daily. Unlike many runners, she avoids distractions such as podcasts and music; instead, she embraces the sound of her footsteps, the rush of passing traffic, and the wind against her back.
McIntosh’s quest is historical—no female has completed the route in under 340 days, and she aspires to cut that time down to half while raising $1.4 million for mental health awareness. Her motivation to make an impact is deeply personal, stemming from her own struggles with mental health, intensified after a severe car accident in 2022. Brooke candidly reveals that her running journey started as an escape from pain, leading her to find joy in the challenge itself.
As she prepares for this monumental feat, McIntosh maintains a straightforward, no-nonsense approach in her communication—an attitude reflected in her running routine. Each morning, she’ll begin with a slow, deliberate walk, consuming high-calorie foods to fuel her demanding schedule. After that, she plans to run a marathon distance before lunch, recharging with a brief power nap.
Throughout the expedition, she expects to cycle through about 30 pairs of running shoes, eating an array of snacks like sandwiches and lollies during her runs. Her journey, while physically taxing, is underscored by a commitment to maintaining her mental health and engaging in the important conversations surrounding it.
McIntosh’s inspiration for her cause stems from her involvement with the Blue Tree Project, a charity focused on mental health awareness. She aims to use her run to spark discussions around mental wellness, hoping to inspire others to share their challenges. Despite the grueling nature of her task and the physical pain that accompanies it, McIntosh finds solace and purpose in the solitude of running, making connections between her endurance efforts and her mission to advocate for mental health.
Beyond her personal ambitions, McIntosh encourages people to talk openly about mental health struggles, seeking to remove the stigma surrounding the topic. As she prepares to tackle this monumental journey, she embodies resilience and determination, driven by a desire to connect and inspire others while also caring for her own mental wellbeing.
You can follow her journey on social media and support her fundraising efforts through donations.