Skip to main content

Here’s how many days it took this ultra-runner to run 1,000 miles for charity

This incredible athlete went from electrician to extreme ultra-runner to raise funds for homelessness

legs running close-up
Wal_172619 / Pixabay

Feeling the breeze on your face as you set off into the distance is exhilarating and beneficial for your wellness. You release feel-good endorphins, exercise your muscles, increase your blood circulation, and more. Ultra-runner Nedd Brockmann didn’t just go running for his own benefit; he ran 1,000 miles for charity in what’s now being called ‘Nedd’s uncomfortable challenge.’ Here are the details of what this incredible athlete accomplished.

The challenge for charity

black tennis shoes on running track
Mezzotint / Shutterstock

Nedd Brockmann is a young 25-year-old electrician from New South Wales, Australia, who transformed into an extreme-ultrarunner. He decided to run 1,000 miles or 1,609.3km in just 10 consecutive days around a single 400m running track in Sydney Olympic Park. His goal was to raise funds to support Australians dealing with homelessness and to attempt to smash a new world record. The current record for the fastest time for running 1,000 miles is 10 days, 10 hours, 30 minutes, and 36 seconds, accomplished by ultrarunner Yiannis Kouros. Kouros took this title in New York in 1988.

Recommended Videos

Defeating the odds

running track outdoors
Ben Soyka / Unsplash

Nedd Brockmann’s 2024 challenge commenced on Thursday, October 3rd, and pushed him to his limits. He ate and tried to sleep in a tent at the running track. He also tried to avoid running during the hottest times of the day.

On day 10, Brockmann shared an Instagram post, where he had already soared through about 886 miles or 1,426 km. He powered on through the pain with raw blisters, swollen toes, and feet that ballooned three sizes bigger than normal. He also dealt with tendinitis in part of his right lower leg. By this time, he’d already raised over 1 million Australian dollars or AUD.

How long did it take for Nedd Brockmann to run 1,000 miles?

man running outdoors on track
Franklin Santillan / Pexels

On Tuesday, October 15th, the large crowd cheered as Nedd Brockmann crossed the finish line in tears in just 12 days, 13 hours, 16 minutes, and 45 seconds. He averaged around 128 km or 79 miles of running per day. 

While Brockmann didn’t set a new world record, he conquered an immense challenge, and at this time, he’s raised over 3.4 million Australian dollars for charity and counting. Applying his incredible athleticism and determination to help others is admirable and speaks to Brockmann’s character. We’re sure this isn’t the last we’ll hear about the achievements of this powerful athlete.

Steph Green
Steph Green is a content writer specializing in healthcare, wellness, and nutrition. With over ten years of experience, she…
Topics
Here’s what the growing research shows about Parkinson’s disease and exercise
Are dancing and aerobic exercise beneficial for those with Parkinsons?
older man dancing

As someone with an Autoimmune bone disease, I know how exercise and moving my body helps with pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. Depending on the day, I gravitate toward different types of exercise, from jogging to yoga and bodyweight moves. Mounting research highlights how being physically active can improve symptoms and lower the risk of a range of chronic conditions. I wasn’t surprised to see that studies reveal exercises like running, yoga, and stretching are beneficial for ankylosing spondylitis, which is my autoimmune condition that primarily affects the bones.

Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder involving a decline in dopamine production in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in coordinating movement, and people with Parkinson’s have several related symptoms, including stiffness, tremors, and issues with balance. Growing research also unveils the benefits of physical activity for those with Parkinson’s disease, including improving daily symptoms. Let’s explore.

Read more
I tried barefoot running — here’s what no one tells you about doing it
If you're a runner looking for a change of pace, consider barefoot running
Couple running on beach

In hindsight, my path to barefoot running feels inevitable. In real time, though, it was a roller coaster ride that began when my chiropractor recommended that I try Vibrams, aka “the toe shoes.”
My chiropractor is a brilliant healer disguised as a chiropractor, so I trust his recommendations completely. The first thing I noticed when I made the switch was that my weekly mileage immediately jumped from a maximum of about 30 to slightly over 50 miles a week. I’m an endorphin junkie, so once that happened I knew I was hooked for good.

1. The minimalist shoe transition

Read more
Here’s why fitness buffs do dead bugs for a strong core — growing research
The research is growing showing the many benefits of the dead bug exercise
Man doing dead bug exercise on floor on blue mat

If you play a lot of sports and want to level up your game, it’s time to work on your core strength. Researchers found that core training improves several variables of performance, including balance, throwing and hitting, and horizontal jumping power. You can jump higher, balance better, throw further, and more if you prioritize exercises that specifically train the muscles in your core. Studies also show core training improves posture, balance, stability, and reduces the risk of lower back pain.

Your erector spinae, obliques, transverse abdominis, and other core muscles help you do your day-to-day activities as well as play the sports you love. As the center of your body, you’ll definitely feel a difference when you stay dedicated to your core training. You might think of core moves like the plank, and it’s certainly effective and worthy of your routine. One of the best moves to try is the dead bug, which has a terrible name but is popular for good reason. Let’s look at the mounting research on the benefits of the dead bug and how it torches your core.

Read more