From Perth to Bondi Beach: 2,387 Miles in 35 Days
British ultrarunner and influencer Will Goodge has achieved a remarkable feat by running across the entire Australian continent in just 35 days. Covering 2,387 miles (3,841 kilometers) from Perth to Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, Goodge averaged over 68 miles per day—equivalent to more than two and a half marathons daily. If officially ratified, the achievement would surpass the previous record set by Chris Turnbull in 2023 by nearly five days.
Despite extreme physical and mental demands, including sleepless nights, persistent hallucinations, and chronic pain, Goodge pushed forward with relentless determination. “It felt extremely claustrophobic,” he told CNN, describing the early days of the run as a “revolving nightmare.” However, by the tenth day, his body began to adapt, and he managed to finish with a stretch of “five good days” before crossing the finish line on May 19 to the cheers of hundreds of supporters.
A Tribute to His Mother and a Cause Close to Heart
The journey wasn’t just about endurance—it was deeply personal. Goodge dedicated the run to his late mother, who passed away from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2018. He completed the challenge in her memory, laying flowers on the Bondi shoreline and raising funds for cancer charities in the UK, US, and Australia.
“Seeing her fight cancer the way she did… I have an ignorance to my own suffering,” he explained. “When it does get tough, I can think back to that.” Throughout the ordeal, her memory served as both inspiration and emotional fuel, guiding him through moments of overwhelming exhaustion.
Training, Challenges, and Daily Life on the Road
Goodge’s daily routine began at 4 a.m. with cereal, black coffee, and the first of many miles. His day was broken into seven-mile blocks, punctuated with calorie-dense meals like smoothies, pasta, and rice. Recovery included massages and strapping for his battered feet. Despite grueling conditions, he occasionally indulged in a beer at day’s end—a small dose of normalcy amid the chaos.
The physical toll was immense. He battled blisters, ankle injuries, and a painfully swollen Achilles. By the end, he had lost over 10 kilograms (22 pounds). Still, quitting never entered his mind. “It’s more of a mental battle than a physical one,” he said.
Criticism and Determination to Prove Himself
Goodge’s unorthodox profile as an ultrarunner—he’s a former rugby player, model, and social media personality with over 250,000 Instagram followers—has drawn both admiration and skepticism. Critics, including ultrarunner and writer Will Cockerell, have questioned the legitimacy of his solo efforts, citing heart rate data and the possibility of “watch muling.”
Goodge, however, strongly denies any wrongdoing. “It kind of disgusts me that people would think I would cheat and use my mom’s death… I find that extremely disgusting.”
He and his team have collected witness statements and GPS data from fitness app Strava to submit to Guinness World Records. Confident in the documentation, Goodge believes the record will be verified.
Though he currently has no major runs planned, he hinted at a possible team event in Iceland later this year. But the drive behind every mile remains unchanged: honoring his mother’s legacy.
“In these things, the connection with her feels really true and really deep,” he said. “It’s probably why I keep going back and doing it more.”