Around Australia in 80 days: Port Hedland man Guy Schweitzer’s epic run begins

Port Hedland man Guy Schweitzer has launched himself on an epic journey across Australia, with the long-time marathon runner setting out to run across Australia and back in just 80 days. Setting out at 4am from Spoilbank Marina in Port Hedland on May 28, Mr Schweitzer launched himself on the monstrous 4900km journey that will see him run through some of the most remote country in Australia. He will run across the country from Port Hedland to Brisbane and back with the journey taking him to Marble Bar, Telfer, Alice Springs, the Simpson Desert, Birdsville and Innamincka among others. Before leaving Mr Schweitzer’s spoke with the Telegraph and said trek was sparked during COVID when he was feeling homesick. “This particular idea had never been on my bucket list and the first thoughts I had of it were about a year ago after being in Port Hedland for 12 months,” he said. “At the time we were not long out the back of COVID and in the preceding 12 months seeing the family was a minefield with all the border restrictions so getting home was high on my mind.” The ultra-distance runner will tackle most of the distance alone but will be accompanied by support vehicles through the most remote terrain such as Simpson Desert, Birdsville and Innamincka. Schweitzer is no stranger to ultra-distance running with the 48-year-old having completed the 355km run of the Delirious West 200 Miler on the Bibbulmun Track twice. “I love to run and run long,” he said. “I wanted to connect my work with my home, this meant running from Port Hedland to Brisbane directly.” Schweitzer said he was physically prepared but he had no doubt there would be mental struggles as he takes on the mammoth task. “I expect to have low days where I want to quit for all sorts of reasons,” he said. “These days will be tough no doubt but I will do my best to find a way through them.” Schweitzer said he was “itching” to get going in the weeks leading up to the start of the arduous journey. “I can’t wait,” he said. “Our country is so big and I can’t think of a better way to see it than on foot and not whizzing by at 100km per hour.” Readers can check in on Mr Schweitzer’s journey by checking in with his Facebook page Home Run where he will be posting updates along the way.