Two Cairns residents will attempt to push themselves to the limit when they set off on a run of more than 1,000 kilometres from Port Douglas to the Pajinka (the tip of Cape York) in just 24 days.
Jamie Candler and Ash Currie have set themselves an ambitious target of running more than 42 kilometres each day, the equivalent of an Olympic marathon in some of the toughest terrain on the continent.
The men are confident their aching muscles, sore feet, and bulging blisters will be worth it as they raise $40,000 for men's mental health charity Movember.
Mr Candler came up with the idea in 2014 and, after a few false starts, they are set to jog off into the distance on June 18.
The pair now have less than 12 weeks left and are putting themselves through a punishing training regime in preparation for the mammoth task.
"We started planning in January last year and now is the right time," Mr Candler said.
"Ash and I both enjoy running and we are both keen to get out on country.
'Daunting' task ahead
Both men have seen their fair share of Queenslanders struggling with mental health.
Mr Candler works for AFL Cape York House Foundation and Mr Currie works for the Queensland Police Service.
"We both relate to the messages that Movember promotes and we made contact with them to find out if they would work with us in June/July instead of November," Mr Candler said.
"They have been fantastic and it's also a topic that we really believe in.
Rather than running alternate days, the two will run side by side to keep each other motivated during the arduous journey.
"I'm not going to lie, it's pretty daunting and there is a hint of nervousness and anxiety attached to a project like this," Mr Candler said.
"It doesn't matter if it takes four hours or six hours. We will just take it step by step and day by day, as long as we get the distance done each day we will be happy."
Logistical planning is just as important as the physical side, with the men busily organising supplies to last in areas without mobile phone coverage or miles away from food and water.
"We have been busy checking off our equipment list. We will have two support vehicles as well as a satellite phone and first aid equipment," Mr Candler said.
"People can donate at [the] Movember [website] and we are also looking for a second camper trailer if anyone wants to donate one or allow us to hire one."
