A soccer player and his mate will push themselves to breaking point in an effort to prevent others from reaching theirs.
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Ballarat friends Mitch Ralston and Kieran Keogh are planning to run a marathon on November 21 to raise money for mental health.
They will undergo 42-kilometres of physical and mental strain to prove to others they can do the same.
"Endurance running is a mental battle and with mental health, it's all about finding strength to beat the evil that's pushing depression and anxiety."
To conquer the task, the pair will either run from Ballarat to Rokewood or do seven laps around Lake Wendouree. Family and friends will help with drinks and support.
Ralston hoped to raise as much as $1500.
"I wanted to raise money because I am passionate about mental health and I know a lot of people around me who are affected," Ralston said.
Ralston, who played senior soccer for the Sebastopol Vikings last season before moving to Melbourne, has experienced the ill-effects of mental struggles first hand.
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He said he wanted to encourage other young people to talk about their struggles.
"I've had mental health issues in the past," he said.
"I had to get counselling and I've seen friends suffer and that's been one of my driving forces."
The idea to run the marathon came about after Ralston's soccer season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After taking up running with Keogh as a way to keep fit, Ralston proposed they tackle the ultimate test.
He said neither had ever been much of a distance runner prior to 2020.
"I've been a decent sprinter with soccer but that's all," he said.
"Kieran isn't a soccer player but wants to get healthier and live a better lifestyle."
Since committing to the challenge, the pair have been doing lake runs multiple times per week, increasing the distance as they go.
"I expect it to be very tough given it's almost summer," Ralston said.
"Ideally you want four months to train for a marathon, but we're going to try and do it in three. We just have to push ourselves as much as possible."
Ralston has opened a Beyond Blue fundraising page so people can donate to the cause. To donate click on the link below.
