The idea of running the equivalent of almost five marathons over a weekend wouldn't appeal to most people.
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But Launceston's Jed Matthews is hoping the feat will start a healthy conversation around mental health.
Having overcome his own battles with mental illness, the 21-year-old plans to run more than 200 kilometres from Launceston to Hobart in support of charity SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY.
The winner of this year's Launceston marathon, Mr Matthews will start his journey on December 21 tracking "straight down the guts" of the Midlands.
With a support crew by his side he aims to raise $5000 for the cause, but said it was also about getting people talking.
"There's the financial goal of this fundraising event. But I know for a fact that several of my mates have gone through their own mental health battles as well," he said.
"I am sure there are many more who just haven't raised it.
"So I feel like if this is just something that becomes a normal thing we do.
"If we can chat about what we are dealing with mentally - I just think that would be a much better society to live in, for everyone."
Founded in 2013 by Mitch McPherson, SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY works to promote positive mental health and prevent suicide by normalising conversations and encouraging people to seek help when they need it.
Mr Matthews said he was first introduced to the charity when he was in year 12 and dealing with his own mental health struggles.
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"During my college years ... I went through some really hard mental health battles," he said.
"Towards the end of that I was a football umpire. Mitch [McPherson] who runs speak up stay chatty came and spoke to our umpire group.
That was the first time I had ever met him. So I got to experience that and it was really cool to hear that message then. It made a big difference."
In the lead up to Christmas, Mr Matthews said it was vital to check in with mates.
"The loneliness that people feel throughout this time of year ... if this can just be a trigger to get people to reach out and talk to a mate, I feel like regardless of financial donations, it's a job well done," he said.
Donations to Mr Matthew's cause can be made here.
More information on SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY can be found here.
- For crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
