by Mat Churchill


Deborah De Williams' Facebook page says it all; "1 solo female runner,17,630 kilometres, 25 million steps, 50 kms a day, everyday, a Pink Caravan Convoy, 3 world records, 1 lap around Australia, all for breast cancer research and support."

It was this story that inspired around 25 fitness enthusiasts to join the ultra-marathon runner and breast cancer survivor in her quest, even if it was for just a couple of hours.

At 5.30am on Tuesday morning, the runners from personal training groups Inspire Fitness, Actin Fitness, and Energise, gathered together to show their support for Ms De Williams and to keep her company on the 14.8 kilometre journey from Mossman to IGA in Port Douglas.

By 6am they were on the road, and Ms De Williams kept a slow and steady pace after a gruelling previous day heading down the range from Mount Molloy.

In 2008 she ran over 800 kilometres with a broken left foot and ended up with a stress fracture in her right foot. These injuries continue to take their toll, but go some way to illustrating her incredible determination.

"She still looks fit and healthy and is really positive," said Sarah McConnell of Inspire Fitness. "People were just in awe of her and she just had time for everyone. We were all really stoked to see her.

"She thanked everyone for being there as it was the biggest group she'd ever ran with during her trip," Ms McConnell said.

Ms De Williams hails from Tasmania and is the State's nomination for Australian of the Year.

As a motivator she may already have achieved that status as one local runner could attest.

"One lady had never run more than four kilometres at a time and had planned to pull out after that distance from Mossman," Ms McConnell said. "But Deb insisted she run the entire 14.8 kilometres with her which she was able to complete."

Ms De Williams has raised over $185,000 of her $300,000 target.

To learn more about her challenge, donate, or simply post a comment of support, visit her Running Pink website.