Pat Farmer, the renowned Australian ultra-marathon athlete, motivational speaker, and former politician, embarks on yet another epic adventure. After an awe-inspiring “Pole to Pole Run” from the North Pole to the South Pole, Farmer has now set out on a monumental 14,400-kilometer run around Australia in support of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Advertisement
Farmer’s life has been characterized by perseverance and determination. He was born on March 14, 1962, in the Sydney suburb of Ultimo, growing up in the city’s western suburbs. Starting as a motor mechanic, his life took a remarkable turn when he discovered his passion for ultra-marathon running in the late ’80s. Alongside his brother Tony, he worked as a landscape gardener, all while pursuing his dream of becoming a motivational speaker.
Farmer’s running career is nothing short of legendary. He broke numerous Australian and world records in ultra-marathon running, raising substantial funds for various charitable causes, including Diabetes Australia, Lifeline, Careflight International, and the Westmead Millennium Institute for Medical Research. His fame reached its zenith when he accomplished a staggering 14,964-kilometer run around Australia, taking 191 days and raising significant funds for charity.
However, it was his grand vision of running from the North Pole to the South Pole that earned him international acclaim. The “Pole to Pole Run” saw Farmer cover a breathtaking 21,000 kilometers, raising $100,000 for clean water programs under the auspices of Red Cross International. This journey commenced on April 8, 2011, at the North Pole and culminated on January 19, 2012, at the South Pole, capturing the world’s imagination.
Advertisement
With his new mission, “Run for the Voice,” Farmer continues his extraordinary journey. Starting on April 17, 2023, in Hobart, Tasmania, he embarks on a run that spans the circumference of Australia, totaling 14,400 kilometers. His primary goal is to raise awareness, garner support, and foster engagement for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. This venture is a significant contribution to the ongoing national dialogue about Indigenous representation in the Australian political landscape, leading up to a referendum later in the year.
Farmer’s route will take him through Tasmania initially, and then he will journey to Perth to run around the entire Australian continent in a clockwise direction, with his run concluding in Uluru, the heart of the Australian outback. To prepare for this remarkable feat, Farmer has been running a staggering 40 kilometers (25 miles) every single day, complemented by regular gym sessions.
The launch of this audacious endeavor was graced by the presence of the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who recognized the significance of Pat Farmer’s mission.
Pat Farmer’s life has been an inspiration to many, showcasing the incredible potential of the human spirit. His relentless pursuit of raising awareness for essential causes continues to make a lasting impact, and this latest run for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament is an embodiment of his unwavering dedication to meaningful change.
From the North Pole to the South Pole and now, an epic run around Australia, Pat Farmer is indeed a symbol of extraordinary determination and a testament to the power of an individual’s commitment to positive change.
Leave a Reply