Dillon Goss to run 13,000km lap around Tasmania to raise awareness around mental health

He’s already a marathon winner, but a 20-year-old is about to run much further to raise awareness and funds for mental health charity SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY.

Dillon Goss is preparing to run 13,000kms during a lap of Tasmania to raise awareness for mental health. Picture: Supplied.

A 20-year-old who won the Penguin Marathon earlier this year is preparing to run 13,000km around Tasmania to raise mental health awareness.

Dillon Goss is teaming up for charity SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY will run for an estimated 20 days in a lap around the state.

Beginning on November 2 in his hometown of Devonport, Mr Goss hopes to wrap up the gruelling run - during which he is expected to cover more than 60 kilometres daily - on November 23.

“A drive to do crazy things” and a chance to explore parts of his home state he had not seen yet were two factors behind his decision to run a lap of the state.

But Mr Goss’ desire to raise awareness of mental health was the main inspiration for embarking on the journey.

“Last year, I had a really bad stint of depression and anxiety,” he said.

“It got to a real bad point of thinking ‘what’s the point of life?’ and those sort of thoughts.

“I realised I needed to reach out and speak up; I didn’t want to go through these sorts of mental issues.

“I spoke up to my girlfriend, family, parents and friends. I guess that sparked this whole thing.”

Dillon Goss competing in the Penguin Marathon. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Goss said reaching out was the best thing he could have done.

“They put me in good stead and guided me each step of the way.

“I want to try and spark this whole awareness with mental health around the whole world, country and state just to try and get people to speak up and talk about their challenges.”

With consecutive days running long distances, preparation for the trek has been intense.

“I’ve been doing a lot of running and gym work while also keeping up my nutrition.

“St. Food Co. has been kind enough to provide me with easy, ready-made meals to recover and just to get on top of my nutrition.”

Mr Goss will travel west to start the lap of Tasmania, then head south and traverse the East Coast before returning to the finish line in Devonport.

Originally published as Dillon Goss to run 13,000km lap around Tasmania to raise awareness around mental health