When Trent Henderson laces up for the final time this afternoon, his mum Mandy will be there cheering him through the last few kilometres just as she has been every single day for the past 109 marathons.
The 110-marathon challenge, which has seen Henderson cover more than 4,600 kilometres while working full-time, will wrap up at 2pm on Friday in New Norfolk.
Henderson has spent the last three months on the extraordinary effort to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
His journey is the equivalent to travelling from Hobart to Launceston 23 times and has pushed him physically, mentally and emotionally. The challenge has also raised close to $40,000 for SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY.
“What Trent has done is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Mitch McPherson, founder of SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY.
“Running 110 marathons in 110 days is absolutely incredible on its own, but to do it with such humility, purpose and heart is what makes it truly special.”
The bond between Henderson and his mother has become a defining feature of the challenge, with Mandy providing unwavering support throughout the gruelling months.
“Mum would be there every night at the end, cheering me through my last few kilometres,” Henderson said.
“I’ve realised more than ever how incredible she is, how much she loves me and how she somehow finds the time to give so much of herself to me and to my brothers.”
Henderson said one memory that particularly stands out was convincing his mother to join him for a late-night run – Crocs and all.
“We just laughed the whole time,” he said. “Those private jokes, that shared time, it meant everything.”
The toughest period came after daylight saving ended, when Henderson had to confront one of his biggest fears of running in the dark.
“Never take your family for granted,” Henderson said. “Mum has been my main motivator in every part of my life.”
For Mandy Henderson, watching her son complete such a monumental challenge has filled her with pride, though she says she never doubted his ability to see it through.
“If Trent says he’ll do something, it will be done. I never doubted that,” she said. “I’ve been there every step of the way – emotionally, physically and logistically. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Her advice to other parents supporting children through mental health challenges is straightforward.
“Be there. It doesn’t matter if your child is 6 or 26. Being present and listening to them is what matters. My home and my time will always be open for my children.”
Henderson’s commitment to mental health awareness stems from hearing McPherson speak at his school in 2014.
The experience left a lasting impression that ultimately inspired this marathon challenge nearly a decade later.
“His bond with his mum Mandy has been a beautiful part of this journey, showing the power of family support in action,” McPherson said.
“We’re incredibly proud and grateful for everything Trent has done to raise awareness and start conversations.”
The community is invited to join Henderson for his final marathon, which begins at 2pm on Friday in New Norfolk.
A bonus community run will also take place on Saturday morning, starting at 9:30am.
