Port 2 Pajinka: 24 marathons in 24 days
Running one marathon in a lifetime is an achievement to celebrate. But running a marathon, every day, for 24 days… Now that is something to write home about.
Queensland mates Jamie Candler and Ash Currie have set themselves a monumental physical and mental challenge this June, in the name of men’s mental health. The Cairns locals will be covering 1000kms across tropical Far North Queensland as they run back-to-back marathons for 24 days. Their main goal: to change the stigma around mental health.
The Project: Port 2 Pajinka
The Port 2 Pajinka project starts in Port Douglas on June 18th and finishes in Pajinka right up the top of Cape York on July 10th. Completing a staggering 1000kms up the Cape to the northernmost tip of Australia.
The idea wasn’t one that was born overnight. Both of these Mo's are familiar with physical challenges and these mates wanted to combine that passion with a cause close to their hearts, spotlighting the important issue of men's mental health.
Running is a foundation of their own mental health, enabling moments of daily reflection and an opportunity to quieten the mind. Both Jamie and Ash are passionate about encouraging youth to discover their own passions to support individual emotional and physical wellbeing. Working closely with indigenous youth, Jamie connects with local communities in Groote Eylandt, breaking down the stigma that surrounds mental health through his work at AFL Cape York House Foundation. Ash is a Senior Constable in the Queensland Police Service, who has seen first-hand the impact mental ill-health has on his community.
The Cairns community is close to their hearts, but Jamie and Ash are hopeful that their run will be a call to action for all to take a moment and check in with your mates, as mental health is an issue that affects so many across Australia.
How can you get involved?
Community engagement is an important part of their journey. Not only will the boys be running, but they will be stopping in numerous regional and remote communities across the 2 days, connecting with youth to highlight the importance of mental fitness.
The project presents a great opportunity for the Movember community to throw their support around these Mo legends and be a part of the conversation. Throughout the course of their adventure, the boys will be clocking up some of their kilometres participating in community fun runs and are looking forward to meeting people on the road.
Leaning on the strength of their community, Jamie and Ash are stoked to push their body and minds to new limits, to raise funds and awareness for Movember. The boys will be wrapping up their mammoth challenge at the Cairns Marathon on July 17th, 2022. Keep an eye out for these sweaty Mo's on the road!
You can donate to the fundraising page here: https://au.movember.com/team/2419991.