Runners Complete 4,000km Relay for Domestic Violence Awareness

After two weeks of running under the stars, crossing deserts, and traversing highways, a group of ultra-endurance athletes has completed an epic 4,000-kilometre relay from Cottesloe Beach in Perth to Bondi Beach in Sydney.

The group, part of Project Australia, aimed to raise money and awareness for domestic violence support service Beyond DV. The athletes, including Hayden Sumner, Jordan Nuks, Jamie Hunter, and Katie Brock, took turns running around the clock, with someone on the move every second of the day and night.

A Journey of Self-Reflection and Solidarity

For Mr. Sumner, the trek was a personal journey, inspired by his mother's struggles with domestic violence. "I thought back to those victims and the nights they probably go through," he said upon completing the relay. "The sun comes up and I get to have a bowl of cereal and a terrible coffee and get on with my day but for them, the struggle doesn't stop."

Mr. Sumner said his motivation was his mother, who died by suicide when he was 7 years old. "As I grew up, I learnt [her death] was largely due to her struggles with domestic violence," he said. "She had years and years of abusive partners, she was in and out of hospital … so I felt very defenceless when I heard that."

"I was only a little kid. I couldn't do anything then, but I guess I can do something now. We can't change the past, but we can try and change the future," Mr. Sumner added.

The Relay's Impact

The athletes ran around the clock for 15 days, with each taking part for a different reason. Every athlete ran about 666km over two weeks, resting and refuelling in one of three support vehicles that accompanied the runners.

"Whilst running under the Milky Way and the Eyre Highway with no lights around you is incredible … [the nights] were pretty long and grinding," Mr. Sumner said. "Just the monotony of every hour jumping up and putting your shoes on and getting back out there."

The relay's proceeds will support Beyond DV, which provides financial literacy programs, employment support, and long-term independence strategies to women and children affected by domestic violence.

A Triumphant Finish

At the finish line outside Bondi Pavilion on Monday afternoon, the runners wrapped each other in tearful hugs. "So do we want to turn around and go back?" runner Katie Brock joked.

Mr. Sumner said he "couldn't be more proud" of his running mates.