William Goodge smashes Australia crossing record in epic 35 day run

British ultra-endurance athlete William Goodge has achieved a remarkable new Guinness World Record, completing the epic 3,800km journey across Australia on foot in an astonishing 35 days. The 31-year-old finished his monumental feat yesterday, Monday, by crossing the finish line at iconic Bondi Beach in Sydney.

Goodge's incredible time shaves a full four days off the previous record, which was set in 2023 by Chris Turnbull, who completed the immense challenge in 39 days. Beginning his punishing run on April 15th from Cottesloe Beach in Perth, Goodge consistently averaged more than 100km each day, equivalent to tackling two-and-a-half marathons daily. He described the arduous routine of starting before sunrise and finishing after sunset.

At the heart of Goodge's unparalleled endurance was a deeply personal motivation. He undertook the grueling cross-continental run in honor of his late mother, Amanda, who passed away from cancer seven-and-a-half years ago. Goodge openly shared how he channeled his grief and drew strength from his mother's courageous fight against the disease, using it as a positive driving force rather than "waving the white flag." Throughout his journey, he also successfully raised money for the Cancer Council of Australia.

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The emotional culmination of his run saw Goodge, with his father by his side, presented with a bunch of flowers at the finish line, which he tenderly placed at the shoreline in memory of his mother. He mused that while his mother would undoubtedly be proud of his achievement, she would also likely be "concerned," he chuckled.

The journey pushed Goodge to his absolute limits, both physically and mentally. He recounted the initial nine days as a major challenge, struggling with sleep, experiencing deep pain in his bones and hip flexors, and even battling hallucinations at night. As he traversed the vast continent, he endured multiple injuries, including losing toenails and one toe that was "rotting" for a week. Ironically, he found his knees, often a runner's bane, remained "very solid."

Goodge, who even celebrated his birthday on the Nullarbor Plain during the run, is no stranger to such extreme challenges, holding the record as the fastest British athlete to previously run across the United States. His latest achievement stands as a testament to human endurance, fueled by an unwavering personal tribute.