Runner ready to do it all again in support of Bravehearts

MOUNT Helen’s Peter Mahoney will set off in Perth on Monday on the first leg of this year’s Bravehearts 777 Marathon.

The event, founded in 2013 by the national child protection charity, raises both money for and awareness of the organisation’s fight against child sexual abuse.

A survivor of abuse himself, Mr Mahoney will be among about 30 runners facing the challenge of completing seven marathons in seven days, in seven different states and territories.

The itinerary is Perth on Monday, Adelaide on Tuesday, Melbourne on Wednesday, Hobart on Thursday, Sydney on Friday, Canberra on Saturday, and the Gold Coast on Sunday.

Appropriately, the father of five and grandfather of 12 will be participating in the event for the seventh time.

Mr Mahoney, 63, started running at the age of 42 after a back injury, and now has 334 marathons to his credit.

On doctor’s instructions, he had initially been walking as a way of coping with the injury but ultimately decided it was just too slow – and the running began.

Mr Mahoney said discovering the Bravehearts event had rekindled his desire for running, particularly as he sometimes questioned why he was doing so much of it.

“It was almost a marriage made in heaven, because I thought this gives me a reason to go and do this stupid stuff, running for 42 kilometres,” he said.

“It did resonate with my childhood; it just resonated with me that I can actually do something with this running, instead of personal gains, but do something for someone else … and make it worthwhile.”

Mr Mahoney and his fellow runners will complete each day’s run before flying to the next city that night.

“It’s a mental and physical challenge, there’s absolutely no doubt about that,” he said.

“But it’s a bit like a snowball rolling down a hill – once you start, you’re into that week and you haven’t got time to stop and scratch yourself, to be honest.”

Each runner must raise $11,000 to participate in the 777 event.

Mr Mahoney said asking for donations in the current climate was difficult, but his brother and sister-in-law had spent the past year raising money on his behalf through regular sausage sizzles.

“That’s broken the back of it. I don’t like asking people for charity when times are tough,” he said.

Money raised through the marathon helps to fund child sexual abuse counselling and support services, education programs and research.

If you or anyone you know is dealing with issues resulting from sexual or physical abuse help

is available from CASA on 1800 806 292, Lifeline on 13 11 14, Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, or 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732.