AC/DC INSPIRED RUNNER CROSSES AUSTRALIA IN LESS THAN A MONTH
WITH PIX AND VID
By Shuk Yee Tsang
A determined endurance runner was filmed crossing vast stretches of Australia, pushing his body to the limit while facing extreme heat, isolation and encounters with deadly wildlife along the way.
Rob Pope, 47 year old from Liverpool, UK from ran nearly 2,000 kilometres across Australia, inspired by AC/DC and driven by a mission to raise money for charity.
The route stretched across the country from Melbourne to Brisbane and became as much a mental challenge as a physical one, with long days on exposed roads, limited support, and constant calculations around food, water and pace.
Along the journey, Rob encountered a frightening moment involving a highly venomous brown snake, forcing him to flee mid-run.
He also carried through despite injuries such as Achilles tendonitis, glute injuries, and constant pain all in the name for charity.
The run aims to raise £40,000 (around $80,000 AUD) for charity, supporting the NSPCC, World Wildlife Fund, and Australian children’s charity The Smith Family.
He has raised $20K AUD so far but hopes to earn his target.
Mr Pope was running with his trusted wheeled jogging stroller he named Rosie, that carried all his much-needed items for his 28 day run.
The total distance was deliberately set at 1,973 kilometres, marking the year AC/DC were formed.
A band Rob listened to throughout the challenge and used as a personal rule, whenever AC/DC played, he was not allowed to stop running.
Rob said,: “So the motivation this time was really about doing something meaningful.
"These runs take so much out of you that there has to be a point to it.
“AC/DC were one of my go-to bands when I needed motivation.
"I made a rule that whenever AC/DC were playing, I had to keep running. I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t stop.
“When I realised the distance across Australia lined up with their formation year, 1973, it just felt right.
“The total distance was 1,973 kilometres, which is special because AC/DC were formed in 1973.
"When I reached the stadium, I ran extra laps to hit the exact number.
“I was running close to 70 kilometres most days, in temperatures over 30 degrees, constantly thinking about water, food, safety and pace.
“At one point, I was attacked by a brown snake. It’s one of the most dangerous snakes in the world. It struck the stroller I was pushing and I had to run.
“Despite everything, you’re surrounded by incredible scenery and wildlife, and you try to take that in even when you’re exhausted.
“The goal is to raise around £40,000 or $80,000 AUD. Every penny goes to charity. Nothing comes to me.
"AC/DC’s management surprised me by producing inflatable guitars, signing 100 of them, and selling them for charity.
" Every dollar goes to the causes."
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