The adventures of Tom Dunn
DOUGLAS SHIRE
TWENTY-two-year-old Tom Dunn wants to be home for Christmas. We’ve heard this before from the men who left for the battlefields, but did not always realise their dreams.
But in the case of this adventurous and motivated young man from Horsham, Victoria this is a battle of a different kind. And he’s confident of making it home for his turkey dinner.
In a self-supported triathlon – aptly named Australia’s Longest Triathlon (ALT) – Tom will be attempting to overcome 4,825km encompassing the length of Australia’s mainland – North to South: Cape York to Wilsons Promontory – to raise awareness and funds for MITS, the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School.
The journey, which is equal to over 90 Olympic standard triathlons, comprises three extraordinary efforts: a cycle leg longer than the average Tour De France (3,780km); a run leg further than 22 marathons (910km), and a swim leg greater than four crossings of the British channel (135km).
He has already raised more than $97,000 for charity and through the ALT journey, he aims to help recognise the work of the Melbourne Indigenous Transition Schools (MITS) organisation and their staff.
His effort is truly remarkable in that he is doing this solo without any assistance, other than his provisions and the towns where he’ll overnight.
“I have managed to keep the bike down to 26kg which is relatively light; I have a light back pack for running and when I’m in the water, a children’s kayak will trail behind me with my provisions,” he said.
With the objective of raising $20,000 for MITS, Tom said the biggest challenge was getting to the start line.
“There was so much to consider and of course, when you look ahead at the challenge, it’s formidable. This is clearly 90% mental and 10% physical.
“I had this idea and I want to see it through and I hope it inspires others to follow my example,” said Tom, who is hoping to be finished within 90 days.
Speaking from Port Douglas, Tom told Newsport that he would be taking a rest day on Saturday and then heading by bike to Townsville.
“I am not setting a time limit to get to Townsville. We’ll see how the ride goes, what the conditions are like, especially the Queensland heat, and I’ll manage it accordingly,” he said.
To follow the trip as it happens follow @whattomhasdunn on Facebook or Instagram or go to www.whattomhasdunn.com.
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