Brooke McIntosh completes her record-breaking 14,000km run around Australia in City Beach today after more than 180 days on the road. Her journey was aimed at raising awareness and funds for mental health through the Blue Tree Project.
Brooke McIntosh has made history by becoming the youngest and fastest woman to run around Australia. Completing her journey of **14,000 kilometers** in just **200 days**, she crossed the finish line at **City Beach** on Sunday, greeted by a crowd of enthusiastic supporters. McIntosh’s remarkable effort aimed to raise funds for the **Blue Tree Project**, a mental health charity based in Western Australia (WA), and has successfully garnered over **$200,000**.
Her journey began in **August 2022**, motivated by her personal struggles with mental health and a serious car accident. “I honestly feel like superwoman,” McIntosh expressed at the finish line, reflecting on her accomplishment. “It’s very surreal, but it’s just proof that with perseverance, resilience and determination, you can achieve anything.”
Challenges and Triumphs Along the Route
McIntosh’s trek across Australia was not without its challenges. Over the course of nearly seven months, she encountered various obstacles, including navigating around snakes, being chased by a calf, and enduring extreme weather conditions. She also faced the emotional toll of being away from family and friends. “To put my life on pause for almost seven months to come out and do this was the hardest part about this mission,” she said.
To maintain her focus and motivation during this demanding journey, McIntosh adopted a daily mantra: “One more step, breath and day and I can overcome and achieve anything.” This mindset helped her push through the physical exhaustion and isolation she experienced on the road.
Impact on Mental Health Awareness
The **Blue Tree Project**, founded by **Kendall Whyte**, aims to raise awareness about mental health by placing blue trees throughout Australia. Currently, there are **1,500 blue trees** acting as visual conversation starters, encouraging individuals to engage with one another about mental health. Whyte noted, “We’re trying to change the way that we talk about mental health, and Brooke is one of the champions helping us do that.”
The blue tree symbolizes Whyte’s brother, who passed away in **2018**. He had painted a tree blue in the Australian Wheatbelt as a light-hearted joke years before. McIntosh’s journey facilitated numerous discussions about mental health with people she met along the way, highlighting the importance of open conversations surrounding personal struggles. “For me, this run has been about the conversations over the kilometers, and I feel like I’m living proof… you can overcome the darkest days,” she stated.
As for her next steps, McIntosh humorously remarked, “I’m going home to sleep, recover, and take a nice stroll.” Her journey not only marks a significant personal achievement but also serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact individuals can have in advocating for mental health awareness.
