William Goodge, a 31-year-old ultra-endurance athlete from Bedfordshire, UK, has claimed a new world record by running across the width of Australia in just 35 days, beating the previous record by four days.
The Gruelling Journey
Goodge began his 3,800km (2,361-mile) journey on 15 April at Cottesloe Beach in Perth and finished at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. His team reported he ran the equivalent of two and a half marathons—about 100km—daily during this epic endurance challenge.
Motivation and Challenges
Goodge’s ultra marathon journey was inspired by his late mother, Amanda, who died of cancer in 2018. The run also served as a fundraiser for cancer charities across the UK, US, and Australia.
He faced numerous hardships during the run, including dust storms, multiple toenail losses, rotting feet, bone pain, and hallucinations caused by extreme fatigue.
The Nullarbor Plain and Unique Experiences
Crossing the vast and unforgiving Nullarbor Plain was one of the toughest parts of the run. Along the way, Goodge encountered many of Australia’s famous wildlife, albeit many were unfortunately found deceased along roadways.
Record Verification and Community Response
The Guinness World Records has yet to verify Goodge’s achievement officially. The current record, certified to Chris Turnbull’s 39-day crossing in 2023, remains the official benchmark.
While some in the running community have questioned the data tracking Goodge’s speed and heart rate, Goodge’s agent affirmed his commitment to complete every step of the journey.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
In addition to this Australian record, Goodge also claims the fastest British crossing of the US, running from Los Angeles to New York in 55 days.
Goodge’s determination and dedication to charity efforts highlight the physical and emotional strength needed for ultra-endurance running.
For more details on ultra-endurance running, visit the UltraRunning Magazine.
Follow updates on Australia’s iconic running routes at Australian Running Trails.