‘Crazy Running Man’ Jack Hanley raising money for mental health

After 11 days running 100km each day, an extraordinary landscaper on a mission to raise money for mental health has been surprised by the kindness of strangers north of Rockhampton. But his journey is not over.

Miles4Smiles co-founders Oz 'The Clumsy Riding Man' Harte, Jack 'The Crazy Running Man' Hanley, Louie Barbant and Charlie McGaw will embark on a variety of physical challenges to raise funds for 43 per cent of Australians struggling with mental health. Photo: Supplied.

After 11 days running 100km each day, an extraordinary landscaper on a mission to raise money for mental health has been surprised by the kindness of strangers north of Rockhampton.

With over 2000km remaining on his journey, 28-year-old Jack Hanley is keen to rally people around him in different towns and cities as he continues to run 100km each day for 100 days straight.

The Melbourne-based Good Samaritan is undertaking the journey in order to raise money for a charity he co-founded called Miles4Smiles, with a goal of $430,000 for the 43 per cent of Australians who suffer from mental illness.

He began running from the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon about 5am on the 7th of September and arrived in Rockhampton about 5.30pm on the 17th of September.

Jack "The Crazy Running Man" Hanley has reached Townsville in his mammoth journey of running 100 kilometres every single day for 100 consecutive days. Picture: Evan Morgan

Despite a pit stop in Mackay Base Hospital to get some fluids up, he continued to push on and a tiny coastal community halfway between Rockhampton and Mackay lifted his hopes as he continues his marathon journey.

“There’s one place that stands out so far - a little community we went through called Clairview,” Mr Hanley said.

“There were about 30 people and they all ran alongside with us.

“Once we get to the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sydney, we’re looking to get a lot more people involved.”

He said he would use any money raised to help the community around him.

“We want to run mental health workshops at schools, sporting clubs and workplaces and run community catch-ups with the money we’ve raised,” Mr Hanley said.

“We ticked over $9000 today. I’m very appreciative of everyone that’s donated so far.”

Jack Hanley aka "Crazy Running Man" stops in at Rockhampton on his journey to run 100 kilometres in 100 days.

With such a massive task in front of him, Mr Hanley said he is very appreciative of the support network around him.

“Some days are tough, some days are easier,” he said.

“When you’re getting stuck in as a team and you’re passionate about something, you find a way to get it done… I love doing it, and that’s the main reason.

“We’ve had a few sponsors come on board… our major sponsor is No Timid Souls and they’ve donated all the running apparel and some money, along with organising a caravan from New Age caravans.”

Jack "The Crazy Running Man" Hanley, with his uncle the Clumsy Riding Man, has reached Townsville in his mammoth journey of running 100 kilometers every single day for 100 consecutive days. Picture: Evan Morgan

Despite the exhaustion from running down the Bruce Highway all day, he remains adamant that exercise is a great antidote for mental health issues.

“[Getting outdoors] is massive for mental wellbeing,” Mr Hanley said.

“You don’t have to run, you can go for a walk or catch up with friends.

“Physical activity definitely helps and I can’t recommend it highly enough.”

Mr Hanley is accompanied on his journey by his fellow Miles4Smiles co-founders, his uncle, Oz ‘The Clumsy Riding Man’ Harte, who will cycle 100km in 100 days, Charlie McGaw, who will run 50km in 50 days, and Louie Brabant, who will run 42 marathons in 42 days.