Nedd Brockmann, the Aussie endurance athlete known for pushing limits, has launched his latest jaw-dropping challenge: breaking the world record for the fastest time to cover 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers) on foot. Brockmann, who famously set a speed record as he ran across Australia in 2022, isn’t just chasing another accolade—he’s also aiming to raise $10 million for Australians experiencing homelessness. As of Thursday morning, Brockmann is all in on this monumental task.
Brockman’s historic Australian challenge
In 2022, Brockmann captured the hearts of many Australians with his record-breaking supported run across the country. The 23-year-old ran 4,000 kilometres in 46 days, from Perth’s Cottesloe Beach to Sydney’s Bondi Beach, raising more than $2 million for homelessness. The former electrician travelled a mind-blowing 100 kilometres a day, and shared every step of his journey with his Instagram followers: from maggots growing in his toes from the rain to his body shutting down on him, the Aussie remained in good spirits, updating and inspiring many.
The legendary 1,000-mile record
The current record, set by legendary ultrarunner Yiannis Kouros in 1988, stands at 10 days, 10 hours, 30 minutes and 36 seconds. Brockmann will have to run roughly 160 kilometres each day for 10 straight days. “It would be ridiculous of me not to honour the people who have gone before me as (I think) I understand the depths one must go to achieve such a thing,” Brockmann shared on social media. “Held by one of, if not the greatest ultra runner of all time, Yiannis Kouros’s feat of endurance is simply mind-blowing.” At the same time, Brockmann is tackling the challenge with full force. “If you’re going to do something, don’t go in half-assed. Throw everything at it.”
@nedd.brockmann We’re going LIVE bby! 🚀 Watch every lap and everything in between on TikTok Live. Starts 4pm Thursday 3rd. @TikTokLIVE AUNZ ♬ original sound – Nedd brockmann
Making a difference
Brockmann’s endeavours are never just about running. In 2023, through his efforts, 52 people were housed, and this year he’s aiming even higher. “We have to make homelessness everyone’s problem,” he says, and he’s using his platform to make systemic change, calling on others to get uncomfortable in their own ways to help Aussies in need. Ned’s Uncomfortable Challenge is set to run from Oct.20-29. He invites others to try something challenging (physical or otherwise), set a target, and raise funds for the charity We Are Mobilise, which aims to provide the support and resources to people experiencing homelessness so that they can “regain control of their lives and thrive within their communities,” as per their website.
How to follow
You can follow Brockmann’s daily progress through his Instagram (@nedbrockmann) and at his website. He’s tracking his laps—yes, 403 laps of the 400m Olympic Park track per day—and he has a livestream to share updates in real-time.
