Turnbull embarked on his journey at 5 a.m. on August 8, 2023, departing from Cottesloe Beach in Perth. He crossed the finish line at Manly Beach in Sydney at 3:01 p.m. on September 16, 2023, demolishing the previous record of 67 days, 2 hours, and 57 minutes that had been in place since 2002.
Running an average of 100 kilometers (62.13 miles) each day, Turnbull meticulously documented every step of his adventure. “I ran every step and touched the ocean water at both ends of the run,” he stated.
The 40-year-old father of two embarked on this challenge seeking a significant adventure and a unique opportunity to explore his homeland. With the assistance of a dedicated support team, which included two to four crew members at any time, Turnbull encountered breathtaking landscapes and met many friendly faces throughout his journey.
An engineer by profession, Turnbull spent three months planning and training rigorously for this monumental task. Although he had experience with long-distance running, nothing could fully prepare him for the extensive trek through Australia’s remote regions. “Much of the run was through extremely remote parts of Australia, so support crew, supplies, and contingency plans were critical,” he noted.
Reflecting on his experience, Turnbull recounted challenges that tested his resolve. “Halfway through day four, the gravel road I was running on was closed by the local council due to recent rains that had turned it into slippery mud,” he explained. After negotiating with local authorities, he was allowed to continue, but the conditions meant that his main support vehicle could not proceed. For three days, he and a small support team camped with limited supplies, relying on sandwiches for sustenance and managing without showers.
During the journey, Turnbull often found himself approached by curious onlookers who inquired about his ambitious endeavor. He received unexpected hospitality along the route, with some roadhouses and caravan parks offering free accommodations.
Despite the obstacles, he cherished many memories from his run, particularly traversing the vast Nullarbor Plain. However, the most poignant moment came when he crossed the finish line at Manly Beach, where he was met with an enthusiastic embrace from his wife and children. “It was complete relief, like I had stepped out of the fire,” he reflected. “I was completely exhausted and wanted to celebrate but also needed to lie down.”
Turnbull indulged in a celebratory swim and a beer to unwind after the rigorous challenge. He described lingering fatigue that lasted for a week after the run, with some injuries persisting for months. “The hardest part was the time pressure I put on myself. To run 100 km each day meant I had to spend as much time on the road as possible, limiting my rest,” he explained. “Pain was another significant challenge, as the extensive running left little time for recovery, leading to constant aches and injuries.”
While Turnbull currently has no immediate plans to pursue additional record-breaking challenges, he teased the possibility of future adventures, stating, “I love big adventures and challenges, so it’s possible that future adventures will align with records.”
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