Former Lakes Entrance local Andrew Thorpe has just finished competing in the Great World Race, where runners travel to each of the seven continents to run a marathon in just seven days.
Thorpe made history becoming the first Aboriginal man to compete in the event that began in Wolf’s Fang (Antarctica), before taking in Cape Town (Africa), Perth (Australia), Istanbul (Europe/Asia), Cartagena (South America) and Miami (North America).
Thorpe used the event to raise awareness for mental health and money for the Black Dog Institute.
“I’ve only been running for five years and now I’m travelling the world with some amazing people to share my story and to help raise funds to help and support mob that are fighting battles with their mental health,” Thorpe said.
As he completed each leg of the race around the world, Thorpe thought about his family and all the support they’ve given him throughout his own mental health journey.
“I want to say that none of this could happen if my family wasn’t there to support me, I may be the one travelling the world in seven days but every step I take I have my wife and kids in my head and heart,” Thorpe said.
A couple of years ago Thorpe was one of 12 Australians – and the only Indigenous person – who then was handpicked to run a marathon each day across six states and the national capital.
