Calls to make epic runner Aussie of the Year after raising over $1million for homelessness
A loveable tradie has completed an astonishing feat, running from Perth to Sydney over 46 days.
Nedd Brockmann, 23, ran a total of 3,900km from one side of Australia to the other, completing an average of 85km per day - the equivalent of two marathons.
Brockmann took off from Perth’s Cottesloe Beach on September 1st, as he ran to raise money and awareness for homelessness charity We Are Mobilise.
He crossed the finish line at North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club on October 17th, after raising over a whopping $1million.
When asked why he chose a homelessness charity to raise funds for, Brockmann said that when he “moved to Sydney I saw a lot of it, it is a lot more prevalent here and I wanted to make a change.”
"Nobody should not have a bed to sleep in in this country when we have, you know, we have everything at our fingertips,” he told The Project.
“So it is something I would love to change and hopefully we have made some ground in that aspect.”
After 46 days on the run, Nedd admitted the mammoth effort had taken an enormous physical toll, including severe tenosynovitis - inflammation of a tendon - in his shins, massive blisters and maggots in his toes.
Brockmann said on his journey, he woke up in the middle of one night and felt what he thought was an ingrown toenail but found something much more sinister.
“But it was actually maggots and I didn't realise until the next day and it was quite traumatising to be honest,” he said.
Despite the obstacles, he said completing the epic journey in Sydney was like “something out of a movie”.
“I have been so alone on the Nullarbor and all of a sudden running into 10,000 people is just very surreal,” he told The Project moments after finishing the monumental run.
“I'm very excited to be home.”
Nedd documented his entire journey on his Instagram, updating his followers on his progress, while always sharing an inspirational quote and song of the day that is getting him through.
Nedd’s incredible selfless journey has people calling for the 23-year-old to be nominated for Australian of the Year.
However, nominations for the 2023 awards closed in July, so votes for the running champ will not be counted for consideration until the 2024 awards.
Image credits: Instagram