McIntosh running around Esperance on Sunday morning. Photo: Greg Symes.
Brooke McIintosh is running all the way around Australia with the goal to raise upwards of $1 million dollars for mental health charity The Blue Tree Project.
Having started in Perth, McIintosh was two weeks into her run when she arrived in Esperance last weekend and she said she was overwhelmed by the support she received from the townsfolk.
“Esperance is a beautiful town and a very welcoming community,” she said.
“Many conversations were had and that is exactly what this run is all about.
“Just one more conversation so no one experiences the depths of the darkness alone.”
McIntosh’s mission to run 14,080km around the perimeter of Australia is a feat enough without the task to do it all within the record-breaking time of 180 days.
Two weeks in, McIintosh posts daily to an audience of almost 15k on Instagram.
Though receiving recognition wasn’t her focus, she said she was blown away by the support she had already received, and the people who doubted her gave her more motivation.
“I do believe there are many people watching from the sidelines, waiting until I reach months five or six before they decide to support.
“And honestly, that’s okay. The world is full of sceptics, and I understand that people want to see proof before they back something.
Nedd Brockman is an Australian athlete who has garnered the attention of hundreds of thousands after he ran across Australia in 2022 to raise money for homelessness.
McIntosh is an admirer of Brockman’s achievements, but said she thought there was a difference between how female and male athletes were perceived.
“Women who push boundaries, take on extreme physical challenges, and prove their strength can sometimes be seen as intimidating, especially by men,” she said.
“And because of that, support can be slower to come. But here’s the truth: we are not intimidating—we are driven, focused, and just as capable as any male athlete out there.
She said there was a long way to go, but it was due time for a shift of perspective.
“Instead of fearing powerful women, we need to celebrate them,” she said.
“Because when we do, we pave the way for more women to step up, chase their dreams, and shatter expectations.
“The support should be equal.”
On Sunday, McIntosh ran a half marathon around Esperance accompanied by a few Esperance residents.
The next day she started her journey to Norseman, staring down the Nullarbor.
“I’m absolutely excited to take on the Nullarbor,” she said.
“The only daunting part; no proper bathroom facilities for three weeks and showering in a pop-up tent with cold water.
“But hey, that’s all part of the adventure.”
People can stay up to date with McIntosh’s progress and contribute to the cause via her social media accounts.
