For 32-year-old Travis McElligott of Queensland, that challenge was as ambitious as it gets over the last Labour Day long weekend. He completed a grueling 303 kilometers over some of Australia’s most challenging land. His mission became to raise awareness and fund for his fellow men in rural communities who are struggling with mental health. McElligott began his three-day run in Mount Isa and finished it in Gregory. With overwhelming support from local residents, he started a fundraising campaign that ultimately brought in over $25,000.
The challenging odyssey took McElligott to the brink of his physical capability. It aimed to draw attention to the mental health crisis affecting thousands of Australians living in the bush. With goals set, he was joined by a deeply devoted support crew. They hosted overnight stops along the route and provided him with food, rest, and comfort during this arduous challenge. The run led right into the storied Gregory River Canoe Marathon the following day. This transition reflected McElligott’s deep commitment to spreading awareness of mental health and its stigma.
The Journey Begins
McElligott’s ambitious project took shape starting with a meeting of supporters in the wee hours of the morning before the first leg of the run. Friends and family of the drivers stood in front of one truck, raising their fists with words of support, solidarity and unity. Just before departing, McElligott took a moment to take a selfie with local resident and community photographer Tony Toholke. This moment brought home to me how deeply the community has rallied behind his quest.
“So I thought it was about time to get off my arse and run 300 kilometres,” McElligott said. I want to raise awareness and money for mental health, and I believe it’s time for change. His campaign centered on addressing fundamental issues that rural, working-class men face. In these areas, access to mental health care professionals is severely limited. “I was talking to a guy here the other day, he said, ‘I would like to see a psychiatrist or psychologist’ — it’s a two-month wait and it’s a $250 fee … something’s got to change,” he added.
For the duration of the three days, McElligott was accompanied by a host of folks who jumped in and out with him along the route. The need for a supportive community couldn’t be more true as friends and family surrounded him, forming a wall of support that fostered an encouraging environment. Though the outback was just as rugged and dangerous as the photos may suggest, McElligott stayed committed to his vision of helping people understand the importance of mental health.
Overcoming Challenges
The unyielding landscape of the outback proved to be an immense challenge for the ultra-marathoner. It was a tough time for McElligott at the close of day two. He adds, “It was likely the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do in my life.” He lifted up the women in his crew, who were always on deck with food and water. “My support crew, they were like, ‘If you wanna tap out, we’ll drag you across the line,’” he reflected on their unwavering encouragement.
Toholke, who has a lot of friends who are young men struggling with mental health challenges, felt the same way. “I can think of 30 guys in my circle that are doing poorly,” he recounted. It was the emotional weight of this brutal reality that motivated McElligott to endure the physical agony and exhaustion. By speaking openly about his own mental health struggles and establishing a safe space for conversation and compassion within his community, McElligott hoped to create a culture of empathy.
As he finished each leg of the run, McElligott was greeted by cheers from his support team. They spent an inaugural night camping on the new road to Gregory. This experience sealed their friendship and deepened their commitment to the movement. The feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming as he finished his race.
A Call to Action
In concluding his journey, McElligott emphasized the importance of reaching out to those who may be struggling with their mental health. With this run, if we’re able to help somebody out in some way, then we’ve done our job,” he said. His message struck a chord with supporters and participants that will prove invaluable.
He urged individuals to take action if they know someone who might be in distress: “If you’re thinking of somebody that might be struggling, pick up the phone, have a chat with them, because you could actually save their life.” Exemplified in this call to action is the truly remarkable power of connection. Together, we can create a compassionate community to address mental health matters head on.
Spontaneous cheers greeted McElligott’s arrival at Gregory. He issued a call not only to recognize his individual achievement, but the collective accomplishment of a team effort that brought national attention toward an urgent issue in need of a solution. His survival across the rugged Australian outback exhibited extraordinary strength. It pronounced the urgent need for accessible mental health resources in rural areas.
