Bravehearts: Avondale Heights Primary School teacher Dani McLaren will run seven marathons in seven states in seven days

Seven’s a lucky number for some but for Avondale Heights Primary School teacher Dani McLaren it represents a challenge that is both physical and emotional.

Next week, Dani McLaren will run seven marathons in seven states in seven days to raise funds for Bravehearts. Picture: Richard Serong

Seven’s a lucky number for some but for Avondale Heights Primary School teacher Dani McLaren it represents a challenge that is both physical and emotional.

Next week, the 39-year-old will undertake the challenge of running seven marathons in seven states in seven days with the aim of raising funds for child protection charity, Bravehearts.

Though mind-boggling to most, this will be the fourth time McLaren has met the challenge dubbed 7 7 7 since 2015 and, in that time, she has raised $40,000 for the cause.

McLaren and her team will start with a marathon in Perth on Monday, before running one in Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney and the Gold Coast over the remainder of the week.

A squad of 12 participants, dubbed national runners, will complete all seven marathons with the support of a number of local runners, the state runners, at each event.

“The logistics involved in it is insane,” McLaren said. “It’s a matter of staying positive.

“You’ve got to do recovery when you can, get some food in you when you can.

“We have six and a half hours to run (the marathon) then get a shower, get some food and then get to the airport.

“We surprise a few people doing our stretches in the lounge before the flight.”

While allowed six and half hours, McLaren said the earlier she finishes a run, the longer she has for recovery.

Dani McLaren and the national runners at a marathon in Hobart

“I’d love to do under four hours for all of them, but I haven’t been running much lately. I’m getting over a (foot) injury. So I’m looking at about 4:15.”

McLaren said the support she will receive from the fleet of state runners will be invaluable.

“In each state we’ll have plenty of support,” she said. “We can’t thank the local runners enough for their support.”

At the marathon in Melbourne, McLaren’s own eight-year-old daughter will accompany her for 7km of the run.

Bravehearts, formed in Queensland in 1997, provides world-class child protection training and education initiatives; specialist child sexual assault counselling and support services; as well as research and reform campaigns to work towards the prevention of child sexual assault.

For McLaren it is a cause of particular importance.

“As a youngster I was abused when I was seven and again when I was 18, so it’s close to my heart,” she said. “As a mum and a schoolteacher it’s very close to my heart.”

Like most who raise funds for and increase awareness of an issue, McLaren said she longs for the day when her efforts are no longer required.

“This year is my fourth and I’d love to do my seventh for 7 7 7 7,” she said. “But I’d be really happy if it (child abuse) all stopped tomorrow.”

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY: How is Dani’s marathon effort progressing?

JOIN THE RUN: Fancy being a support runner?

HELP THE CAUSE: Learn more about Bravehearts and the work they do.