This time last week I had the pleasure of running through town along side Greg Brown. Day 49 into his run from South East Cape in Tasmania to Cape York in Northern Queensland raising funds for Cancer. Approximately 5,500km’s in 90 days, which means waking up every morning no matter what conditions the day brings to run an average of 60-70km’s per day. This day last week was a warm one. Myself and another Ultra runner Raelene Bendall greeted him on the roadside at 7am. Greg had already nearly ticked over 10km’s for the morning and welcomed us with his usual big smile and gentle hug. Looking forward to his first morning break. Greg does not complain about the weather or does he about how he might be feeling. Remembering that this is Day 49, just another marathon plus a bit more. To think for the last 48 days he has done just that. Greg is such a humble guy, and enjoys the company of other runners along his journey. The stories he told throughout the day of the people he had met and the generosity he had come across his way was inspiring. It was so great to hear that there are still so many people still willing to give and support his cause in some way. Random people stopping on the roadside giving small amounts of money and showing their support.

 

Now to get a bigger picture of Greg’s journey. Greg does not have a large support crew assisting him financially. Or a nutrition program or a physio/medical team to patch up any injuries along the way, or a someone to wash and dry his clothes each day. No media support person or someone who writes about his day long journey. Greg has his close friend Phil towing a van who follows him, then stops about 10 or so kilometers up the road. Then Phil gets on a bike and rides back with water and electrolytes for Greg and will accompany him back to the van to which they start the next leg. Along with Phil requiring to repair repeated Tyre punctures throughout the day from our harsh roadsides. Now as my watch informs me that I had just completed a marathon, we still had yet to go through Rockhampton to reach Greg’s final kilometers for this day. I could only think how amazing this guy is. We finished our day on the north side of town at Degani’s Bakery, where we welcomed the air conditioning and for me the best coldest coffee milkshake. While Phil is off getting supplies from the supermarket, Greg is already preparing for the next day.

Day 50 we again arise early and met Greg to help him on his way out of town. With a couple of more runners joining him for the first leg of yet was just another day for Greg. On returning to Rockhampton and close to enjoying a cool shower and putting my feet up, I could not help but admire what this man is doing. Just image for a moment going to bed each night after 60-70km’s knowing you are about to do it all over again for 90 days. Knowing it is not about you or a finishing line but a goal. A goal to raise $100,000 for the Cancer Council. It takes someone special to take on such a challenge. Some would think of an easier way but for Greg running is his passion. So if you see Greg on your travels up in Northern Queensland. Give him a wave or maybe stop and hand over your spare coin.

You can follow Greg’s journey on Facebook Cape to Cape for Cancer. “An Ordinary Bloke on an Extra-Ordinary Journey.

Today marks day 56. Greg Brown you maybe just an Ordinary Bloke but you are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story by taking up such a amazing challenge.

To make a donation visit www.capetocapeforcancer.com.au

All Best Greg on the remainder of your Journey. 🙂