Matt Duggan has finished his second epic run of the length of Tasmania, battling blisters, swollen ankles and shin splints to cross the finish line at Cockle Creek.
The 38-year-old Huonville father, who beat stage three bowel cancer after being diagnosed in April 2024, ran around 55 kilometres a day for 10 days from Stanley to Cockle Creek to raise money and awareness for Bowel Cancer Australia.
Duggan said the fundraising total was tracking close to his $100,000 target, with around $40,000 already banked and another $50,000 in pledged donations still to come.
Duggan said the generosity of strangers along the route blew him away.
The day after finishing, he deposited $5,000 in cash donations at the bank, all handed to him by strangers lining the roadside along the way.
A takeaway shop in Dover had $500 waiting for him as he passed through, while locals sat in camp chairs at the ends of their driveways, cash in hand ready to donate.
“It’s just something that we’ll both [he and running partner Rohan Barwick] cherish for the rest of our lives,” Duggan told Pulse.
Barwick joined him for the entire journey this year after taking part in a stint of last year’s run, which raised $126,000 for Cancer Council Tasmania.
Duggan said this run was tougher, with hillier terrain heading north to south and the extra 10 kilometres a day he’d added compared to last year.
Barwick’s knee gave out around 12 kilometres from the finish, while Duggan copped severe shin splints in his left leg with five kilometres to go.
“I’m glad we didn’t do 11 days because I don’t think we would’ve been able to do 11 days,” he said.
Duggan plans to take things easy this week before his brother’s wedding on Bruny Island, but hasn’t ruled out another run next year.
“I hope to reach as many people as possible, encouraging early detection and reducing the stigma around bowel cancer, especially in young people,” he said.
Donations can be made through his Facebook page, Matt’s Marathon Mission.
