Australia: A British ultra-endurance athlete has shattered the world record for running across the width of Australia, completing the 3,800km journey in just 35 days.
William Goodge, 31, began his transcontinental run on 15 April at Cottesloe Beach in Perth, crossing the finish line at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, his father by his side. Goodge covered the equivalent of two-and-a-half marathons a day, around 100km daily, enduring punishing physical and mental challenges along the way. His feat breaks the previous record held by Chris Turnbull, who completed the run in 39 days in 2023.
Australian Nedd Brockmann had run the same route in 47 days the year before, raising millions for charity. Goodge, originally from Bedfordshire in England, undertook the journey to raise funds for cancer charities in the UK, US, and Australia, a cause close to his heart after losing his mother, Amanda, to cancer in 2018.
Goodge described the experience as ‘a revolving nightmare that wouldn’t end,’ with the early days of the run being especially gruelling. Goodge remarked that, “You have to tell your body and mind that even though you’re struggling, you’re going to persevere.”
The physical toll was immense, he lost toenails, experienced rotting feet, and hallucinated from sleep deprivation caused by deep bone pain. But thoughts of his mother’s battle with cancer enabled him push through.
Goodge stated that, “So in the moments where it’s tough, I’ll think back to those times, I think about the woman she was, and how she handled herself, and how she supported me. I feel like she’s there with me a lot of the time.”
After crossing the finish line, Goodge laid flowers on Bondi Beach in remembrance of his mother. Goodge commented that, “She was the most special person in my life. She would be proud of everything I’ve done, she’d also be concerned.”
Throughout the journey, Goodge witnessed the breadth of Australia’s unique landscape and wildlife, most notably, roadkill. He also credited former record-holder Turnbull for offering advice and understanding that helped prepare him for the ordeal.
Goodge previously made headlines for becoming the fastest British man to run across the United States, completing the route from Los Angeles to New York in 55 days.
RELATED | British mountaineer climbs Everest for 19th time; Setting new record
