Bonnells Bay runner Mitch 'The Monorail' Morley is set to complete his final marathon in Tasmania on Sunday.
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Last July, the Newastle Herald detailed Mr Morley’s endeavour to run a marathon in every state and territory in Australia to raise money and awareness for metal health charity Beyond Blue.
Now, the 24-year-old is about to finish the final leg at the Cadbury Marathon in Claremont, just outside Hobart.
Speaking from Hobart Airport on Friday ahead of final run, Mr Morley said it had been a long, but enjoyable challenge over the past nine months.
“I feel a bit nervous; it's been about four months since my last run, which was in South Australia,” Mr Morley said.
“I'm excited to be able to finish the last leg of the journey. I think it's going to be emotional and quite overwhelming.
“Overwhelming because of the people that have opened up to me along the way.”
The journey has taken him to the Gold Coast, Canberra and Perth, as well as scenic locations like Kangaroo Island, Uluru, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, and his home state’s run of the Hunter Valley.
“Definetley Uluru, that was the toughest one – on the red dirt,” Mr Morley replied when asked of the most difficult run.
“Even though it was the middle of winter, both the terrain and weather made it difficult.”
While the eight marathons of 42.2km each will make for a combined 337.6km effort in the legs, it’s the flight distance that really shows his commitment.
According to our extensive calculations, Mr Morley has traversed 18,362 km in the air during his self-funded campaign.
Raising close to $5,500 over the past nine months to help support mental health, the full-time personal trainer is happy to take on any challenge if it can involve supporting a worthy cause.
Asked if he would be indulging in a block of Top Deck post-race given the final run is sponsored by Cadbury…
“A block of chocolate and a froth,” he keenly exclaimed.
Well-earned, we reckon.
Donations towards Mitch’s campaign can be until March by clicking here.
MORISSET MIX-UP
One of our eagle-eyed readers spotted these street signs in Lake Macquarie last week.
Can you spot the error?
It appears to be a stuff-up of, err... slim proportions.
Lake Macquarie Council was approached for a comment to the signs’ spelling errors and offered a humble response.
“Council is aware of the error and has arranged to have new street signs printed,” a statement read.
“These are expected to be installed early next week. In the meantime, the signs have been amended so they now display the correct spelling.
“Council is pleased to have an engaged community who will always let us know if we have a slip up.”
A slip-up, or a mix up?
Perhaps the signs could be placed in a Lake Macquarie historical collection?
Slip, slop, slide open your phone...
Generation Z.
What’s doing?
A recent survey has revealed that 36 per cent of Generation Z (those under 22 years of age) Australians would choose a smartphone ahead of any other item to take to the beach.
Seriously?
Forget the sunblock, the hat, the towel…
It’s all been forgotten.
In fact, 14 per cent of all Australians - equivalent to 1.2 million people - believe their smartphone is the most important item to take to the beach.
The research, derived from a survey of 2,017 people by comparison company Finder, shows our willingness to stay connected.
But while it appears the younger we are, the more attached we are to our phones, there is some sense left.
As on average, the top three beach items for Baby Boomers, Generation Y and Generation X are: sunscreen, a towel and a hat.
Smart stuff.