1000 Miles to Light

In 2020 the world changed forever. The challenges of social distancing, self-isolation and lockdowns were tough for us all, and many are still facing the challenges of the pandemic.

1000 Miles to Light was an event designed to test the limits of endurance, commitment and determination of the competitors. Two teams of four people: Australia vs USA, raced each other to complete 1000 miles (1,609km) in 10 days over the period 14-24 August 2021. For the runners out there, that is marathon for each person in the team, every day for 10 days. This gruelling challenge was all in the name of raising awareness of, and funds for, youth mental health service ReachOut.

The original race route was planned to cross regional NSW from Broken Hill to Byron Bay. Emerging COVID-19 restrictions in New South Wales led to an adapted route within the Singleton Military Area. Army provided support to the event though the School of Infantry, who enabled race routes within the Singleton Military Area and logistic assistance through transport, catering and medical support, led by the 17th Sustainment Brigade.

Acclaimed ultra-runner, and formal federal member of parliament, Mr Pat Farmer AM, organised and led Team Australia in 1000 Miles to Light. Mr Farmer took time to talk to the members of Soldier Support Company, School of Infantry. These soldiers are in a complex time in their career; either in holding, rehabilitation, transfer or transition. Mr Farmer delivered to them a lived experience brief, from a challenging, colourful and eventually successful life, which we are pleased to present to you in this podcast.