LONG-distance runner Mick Marshall is ready to run 250 kilometres through unforgiving desert terrain to shine a light on a big Ballarat health issue.
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Marshall will set out on Saturday morning in Big Red Run, a multi-day race for a cure to diabetes set in the Simpson Desert.
He has won the 150km event and has since been determined to return, add on 100km in the red desert, and make a bigger impact for diabetes awareness.
“When I did (the run) a couple of years ago, it was for enjoyment. But it made me think. This time is for awareness,” Marshall said.
“If I can assist to knock out diabetes or do anything to assist that cause I will...Diabetes is a massive health problem and, in many cases, an unnecessary problem.”
Big Red Run participants raise money for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Australia, a not-for-profit supporter of type 1 diabetes research.
But Marshall wants his run to also raise awareness for type 2 diabetes, which can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise.
Marshall said he had not realised how many people he knew had diabetes until he ran across the Simpson Desert the first time, even though he was aware of the city’s heart problems.
There is also a competitive edge to Marshall’s race. He felt in “pretty good nick for it” before leaving Ballarat earlier this week and has set the challenge to try and capture another desert win.
When I did (the run) a couple of years ago, it was for enjoyment. But it made me think. This time is for awareness.
- Runner Mick Marshall
Marshall trains with Goldfields Trail Runners under the guidance of his coach Tash Fraser, a decorated ultra marathon runner.
The bulk of his race preparation has been in tackling the Great Ocean Road 44km event last month and in Ballarat ParkRun each Saturday.
Marshall will effectively run five marathons in six days, puncutated with a 31km stage. His longest stage will be back-to-back Mohan and Roseberth marathons to 84.39km on day five.
This week he has been taking it easy, as much as possible, to acclimatise.
Runners camp in the outback each night and, a self-confessed adventure racer, Marshall said could hardly wait to get started.
You can track Marshall for daily updates online at bigredrun.com.au. To donate to Marshall’s run, visit bigredrun2017.everydayhero.com/au/mick-marshall.