Traralgon resident Blake Bourne aiming to beat world record run of the Simpson Desert by running 379kms for Blake’s Big Red Run fundraiser

A Traralgon man is training hard to beat a world record to be the fastest person to run through the red sands of the Simpson Desert. Read why.

Blake Bourne, 23, trains strength and cardio five days a week in preparation for the big Simpson Desert run in August. Picture: Jack Colantuono

A Traralgon man is preparing for one of the biggest physical and mental challenges of his life.

Boxing instructor, photographer and personal trainer Blake Bourne is preparing to run 379kms across the Simpson Desert in central Australia from August 3 this year.

What’s more, the 23-year-old is aiming to complete the feat in less than three days and eight hours - the equivalent to nine marathons.

It is an attempt to beat the current world record held by Pat Farmer since 1998 after he crossed the desert in just three days, eight hours and 36 minutes.

Bourne is using his platform to raise important funds for the Black Dog Institute to help with mental health research and suicide prevention.

His goal is to raise $38,000, or $100 for every kilometre he runs.

He started a fundraiser in February and has so far raised more than $3500.

Mr Bourne said he was "absolutely pumped" to take on the challenge as was overwhelmed by all the support. Picture: Supplied

Bourne said he had gone through his own battles with mental health.

“I sort of failed to take responsibility and ownership of it. As a result of that it caused family and friends a lot of hurt and pain – and seeing the way it affected them, I made a commitment to myself to never let them endure that pain again,” he said.

He has been training for the trip since August 2021. His training includes strength, boxing and cardio five days a week.

He said he was “absolutely pumped” to take on the challenge.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there and hitting the sand,” he said.

“It’s all about getting my body used to it – my long runs at the moment are up to 58kms and then just gradually increasing that each week.

“I should peak at the start of July – I’ll run three 100kms back-to-back.”

Bourne said he would have about two hours to spare each day of his challenge, but is also preparing for the possibility that he could run the entire 379km without stopping.

“It’s quite possible I run the whole thing and don’t stop,” he said.

A support crew and a vehicle with food and water will check in with him every 5kms.

Bourne said he had to make adjustments to his life in order to fully commit to the run, such as putting his photography business on hold and changing his social life.

He said the support for the run was going “really well”.

To support Blake’s journey, head to Blake's Big Red Run to donate.