If you thought getting through 18 holes was tough on your feet imagine this.
On August 23, Andy Bowen and his crew of keen golfers will play the world’s longest golf course, the Nullarbor Links, on foot. The crew will cover more than 1,400kms after teeing off on the 18th hole of the course in Kalgoorlie and playing the course backwards. The two and a half week round of golf will finish on the 1st hole in Ceduna, South Australia, which is appropriately named from the Aboriginal word Chedoona, meaning “resting place”).That’s the equivalent of running 33 marathons.
The golf course itself is of a regular length, but the distance between holes varies from a few metres to over 180kms.
Why is Andy doing it? He is hoping to raise $50,000 in support of Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT and The Splash Of Red Foundation.
Andy will be running the entire distance with his support team and car alongside. The vehicle will have to carry all the supplies for the team for the entire journey, as the availability of water and specific foods is very limited along the way.
The challenge will involve 10-12 hours of running per day to reach the goal, a daily average distance of over 85kms. Along the way the team will stop at each hole of the course, break out their clubs, play a spot of golf, and maybe visit the 19th hole! Each hole of the course is associated with a roadhouse or motel, giving the opportunity of a much needed shower, home cooked meal and a bed.
Given the extreme nature of the physical demands of this challenge the Sunshine Coast University we will be monitoring Andy’s well being with daily weight, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as machines to monitor his running efficiency and psychological questionnaires. The team will be versed in first aid for general issues such as blisters and cramps, but also in potential event specific issues such as dehydration and snake bites.
The road across the Nullarbor has been notorious for a poor safety record cause by the long straight featureless roads (including the longest in Australia at 146.6km without so much as a curve), so the support vehicle will be providing protection for the runner. On safer stretches the vehicle will move ahead a few kilometres to prepare a rest stop, where drinks can be refilled, food taken on board and changes of clothes made.
As well as the physical demands of the challenge, and the safety factors to contend with the team will have to handle extremes of weather with daily ranges of temperature of 30c, scorching sun, and intense rain. Much of the running will be done alongside the sealed road surface, on the dust and gravel which adds its own challenges.
You will be able to track the team’s progress on their website, which will not only have daily/live position updates, but also a video blog, and no end of statistics including volumes of fluids consumed, calories burnt, steps taken, elevation gain, heart beats, the list goes on!
Andy will run with a point of view camera so you can share the experience without sweat and tears, but the best way to be part of the team is to make a donation through the following link: www.33marathons.com
If you are interested in sponsoring this challenge, or if you would like further details…
Please contact Andy, +61 431 858 099 or email Info@33marathons.com