Runner Brooke McIntosh stops in Geraldton as she nears the end of her 14,000km lap of Australia for charity

Geraldton laid out the welcome mat for endurance runner Brooke McIntosh this week as she nears the end of her remarkable mission to run a lap around Australia — to spark “just one more” conversation about mental health. McIntosh has spent nearly seven months — roughly 200 days — running 14,200km around Australia, on her Just One More journey, to raise funds and awareness for mental health charity, Blue Tree Project. Since leaving Perth in March, McIntosh has been running nearly two marathons a day, determined to turn every step into a conversation about mental health. The finish line is almost in sight, with McIntosh set to arrive back in Perth this weekend. McIntosh said the real highlight of her journey had been “the people , the connections, the conversations, and the support from complete strangers who’ve become like family”. The hardest part, she admitted, had been the long separation from her loved ones. “The lows have been being away from my partner, family, and friends for months on end,” she said. “But even in the lowest moments, I’ve found strength in remembering why I’m running , so no-one has to sit in the darkness alone.” McIntosh’s simple mantra has kept her moving forward. “Go just one more, even when you think you can’t. Focus on one step at a time,” she said. She also encouraged runners to be smart about training and recovery. “Push your body, but not to complete breaking point — and fuel yourself properly. Eat lots of good food, because nutrition is critical to keeping you going over the long haul,” she said. Her short time in Geraldton was met with cheers and waves from locals, who lined parts of her route to show their support. Every kilometre brings McIntosh closer to her goal of raising $1.4 million for mental health programs. So far, she has raised more than $245,000. However, a priceless benefit of her visit to Geraldton and her overall journey is that she inspires people to keep the conversation going. To donate, visit just-one-more.