Endurance athlete Fran Hurndall is inching closer to the finish of her incredible 3800 km run from Perth to Sydney, with a goal to raise $1 million to support victim-survivors of domestic violence.
Hurndall is set to complete the run on Sunday, arriving at Observatory Hill in Sydney, having run from the Blue Mountains that morning.
Her original goal was to complete the run in 34 days – running an average of 110km per day, but an injury to her achilles, as well as infected blisters in the first week has meant she is now set to complete the run in 60 days.
Despite the setbacks in the first part of the run, Hurndall has averaged 70 to 80km per day, equivalent to almost two marathons. She has pushed through injury and exhausation to keep running.
“The run has been a wild ride and the physical and mental struggle has been unbelievable, but what I have had to go through is absolutely nothing compared to the struggle of those women who live with the threat of domestic violence, every single day,” Hurndall said.
“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 or former partner.”
Hurndall is calling on Australians to support her and donate to help her reach the goal of $1 million. Hurndall was inspired to complete the run by her sister, who is a survivor of domestic violence. All funds raised will go to the charity RizeUp Australia.
“Most of us know someone who has been affected by this kind of abuse – myself included. That’s why every kilometre I run represents the strength of those who have endured abuse, and every donation will help provide essential support to those in need,” she said.
Nicolle Edwards, CEO and Founder of RizeUp Australia, said Hurdall’s run is a powerful reminder that we can all play a part in creating a safer future.
“Her bravery and determination mirror the courage of those we support every day,” Edwards said.
“Thanks to champions like Fran, RizeUp can continue delivering the practical support that transforms houses into safe, welcoming homes – and helps families begin again with strength and stability.”
This isn’t Hurdall’s first effort to raise money for important causes. In 2023, she dribbled a football 1000 kilometres from the Gold Coast to Sydney to raise funds for Women Sport Australia. She set a Guiness World Record and brought attention to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.