Nedd Brockmann passes on the baton to others after epic challenge
After 12 days of ‘turmoil and torture’, it’s time for Aussie sparky-turned-ultra-long-distance runner Nedd Brockmann to rest — but the challenge has just begun for others.
NSW
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After 12 days of “turmoil and torture”, Aussie legend Nedd Brockmann was looking forward to a well-earned rest, but a good night’s sleep continues to elude him.
The former sparky-turned-ultra-long-distance runner managed just a few hours of sleep each day during his bid to break the world record for the fastest time to cover 1000 miles (1609km) on foot.
He didn’t beat the record of 10 days, 10 hours, 30 minutes and 36 seconds, set by Greek ultra-marathon runner Yiannis Kouros in 1988.
But the 25-year-old’s time of 12 days, 13 hours and 45 seconds ranks him as the second fastest Australian to run the 1000 miles and places him in the top 10 in the world.
However, for the down-to-earth Brockmann, the most important figure is the $3.33 million his marathon efforts at Sydney Olympic Park’s athletics track has raised so far to help the homeless.
Thousands cheered him on as he completed his “uncomfortable challenge” on Wednesday morning, and now he’s encouraging others to take on their own challenge.
“I’ll be OK,” he said on Saturday.
“You don’t know the extent of something until you’re in it — and when you’re in it you’re shocked by the enormity of it.
“I’ve had scans and am working with my doctor and physios to get back to good health, and to recover from the knee and ankle injuries and severe feet problems from blisters upon blisters.
“I still haven’t slept I’m in that much pain and so much shock — and just coping with the turmoil and torture I’ve put my body through over 12½ days.
“But to say I’m proud of myself is an understatement.
“Records aren’t what matter at the end of the day, the reason I do it is to push myself and see what I’m capable of. To inspire people; to help people.”
Brockmann’s fundraising tally for homelessness charity We Are Mobilise has surpassed the $1.5 million he raised during his epic 3800km run from Perth to Bondi in 2022.
There’s now been more than $50,000 individual donations, including a $123,000 boost this weekend from the REA Group to represent the estimated 123,000 people experiencing homelessness each night.
“Nedd’s impactful campaign and the work of We Are Mobilise set the bar high for communities and corporate Australia to do more and to be part of the solution to end homelessness,” REA Group CEO Owen Wilson said.
There’s still time to join the 10,000 people who have signed up to Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge, which starts today and continues until October 29.
Some 670 teams across business and schools are among the sign-ups, with participants challenging themselves to run, swim, undertake countless push-ups and so much more.
“We live in a world where everything is so easy, and we can order things at the touch of a button,” Brockmann said.
“This is about making people understand that any real growth comes with adversity, and by taking on an intentional challenge, they might be more prepared when they’re faced with a challenge they hadn’t expected.”
Choose your own adventure at www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com
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