PERTH, Australia — Running the equivalent of two marathons a day for six months might sound impossible, but for Brooke McIntosh, it’s a challenge fueled by resilience and purpose. The 29-year-old from Perth has embarked on an extraordinary circumnavigation of Australia, aiming to raise $1.4 million for mental health while attempting to break the Guinness World Record as the fastest woman to run around the country.
Starting her journey on March 2, Brooke has already run 591 km, making her way through Western Australia towards South Australia. Over 180 days, she plans to cover 80 km daily, pushing the limits of endurance while advocating for mental health awareness.
Turning Trauma Into Purpose
Brooke’s incredible journey is deeply personal. After surviving a near-fatal truck accident in 2022, she found herself at a crossroads. Just days before the accident, she had been planning to take her own life. “Lying awake on the hospital bed after the accident, I realized I didn’t want to end my life—I wanted to end the pain and suffering I was experiencing,” Brooke shared with Women’s Agenda.
That pivotal moment became the catalyst for change, transforming her struggles into a mission to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Now, through running, she not only finds healing and strength but also a way to inspire others to push forward, no matter how tough life gets.
Running as Therapy & Advocacy
For Brooke, running is more than just a sport—it’s a lifeline. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that avoiding emotional baggage only makes it heavier. Emotions are just energy in motion. You have to let them flow, let them release,” she says.
Throughout her journey, she experiences dark moments, hitting mental and physical walls. But with every struggle, she reminds herself to take “just one more” step—a mantra that not only fuels her run but also serves as a powerful message of resilience.
The Blue Tree Project: A Symbol of Hope
During her darkest moments, Brooke found strength and hope in the Blue Tree Project, a mental health charity known for its symbolic blue-painted trees scattered across Australia. “Whenever I was battling suicidal thoughts, it seemed that whenever I looked up, a blue tree would appear—often within hours,” Brooke recalls.
Now, all funds raised from her record-breaking run will go toward the Blue Tree Project, helping to spark conversations about mental health and ensure that no one suffers in silence.
“Just One More” – The Mantra That Saves Lives
Inspired by her 1,600 km run from Pilbara to Perth in 2023, Brooke carries the mantra “Just One More” with her every step. “Every time I wanted to stop, I reminded myself why I started—to show people they’re not alone, that they’re stronger than they think, and that asking for help isn’t a weakness.”
Whether it’s taking one more step in a race or having one more conversation about mental health, Brooke believes that small actions can change lives—including her own. “That ‘one more conversation’ put me on the path to potentially becoming the fastest woman to run around Australia. If I hadn’t been willing to open up, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
A Movement Bigger Than Running
Brooke’s journey is about more than breaking records—it’s about breaking barriers in mental health conversations. Through her grueling six-month run, she hopes to inspire others to take their own steps forward, no matter how difficult. “Even if you feel too far gone, too broken, too behind—it doesn’t matter,” she says. “Take just one more step. Have one more conversation. It might change everything.”
Follow Brooke’s Journey
To support Brooke’s mission or track her progress, visit The Blue Tree Project and consider donating to help her reach her $1.4 million fundraising goal.
