A young Tasmanian runner has kicked off an extreme ultra-marathon that will see him cross the state on foot to raise awareness for mental health.
Upon setting off on day one of the run on Saturday, Dillon Goss had already raised over $10,000 for mental health charity Speak Up! Stay ChatTY.
Over the next 20 days, the 20-year-old will cover a gruelling 1,326km route from Mersey Bluff in Devonport that will finish after circling the entire island.
Stopping in key towns and cities along the way, including Smithton, Strahan, Hobart, Bicheno and Launceston, Goss will tackle about 60km each day.
“I started running in 2018 as a way to get fitter for football, but it quickly became much more than that,” Goss says.
“Running became my escape, my stress reliever and my form of meditation.”
After facing his own mental health challenges in 2023, Goss hopes his journey will help others realise the importance of opening up to their loved ones.
“There is no shame in not being okay. Running has been a huge part of my journey and I hope this run can raise awareness and help others understand the importance of mental health,” he said.
SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY founder Mitch McPherson has praised Goss’s efforts, describing him as a “very special human”.
“The entire team is inspired by Dillon’s determination and the energy he has poured in the preparation for this run and we will all be cheering him on,” he said.
Goss is being supported by a team of 7-10 people on the journey, including his brother and sister, patner, close friends and volunteers.
“Their support means the world to me. Without them, this run wouldn’t be possible,” he said.
“I want people to know they’re not alone.”
“This run is about pushing myself, but it’s also about making sure we keep the conversation around mental health going.”
