1 May 2025
Queensland athlete Fran Hurndall set off from Cottesloe Beach this morning on her world record attempt to run 3,800km from west to east to raise awareness and funds for domestic and family violence support in Australia.
Commencing the bold challenge to mark Domestic Violence Prevention Month, Fran is aiming to do the run in a record time of just 34 days, running 110km per day, for 12-14 hours a day. Fran will burn an average of 8,000 calories a day and tread through more than 10 pairs of shoes as she makes her way to Sydney.
If she completes the run and reaches Sydney in early June, Fran will set a new world record and become the first woman to complete this feat in under 40 days.
Fran’s inspiration is her sister, a survivor of domestic violence and her chosen charity is RizeUp Australia, an organisation providing life-saving support for families impacted by domestic violence. Her goal is to raise $1 million to make a difference to the lives of women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.
“In Australia, two out of every five people have been exposed to domestic violence, and one in every five women has experienced family violence. Last year, one woman died every four days on average at the hands of her intimate partner or former partner,” she said.
“I’m calling on all Australians impacted by domestic violence to start reaching out and speaking up and hopefully this will make it easier for people to break their silence and come forward.
“The most beautiful thing is that by doing this run I've given my sister a voice to start her healing journey and that’s what I hope others will be able to do.
"Most of us know someone who has been affected by this kind of abuse – myself included. That’s why every kilometre I run will represent the strength of those who have endured abuse, and every donation will help provide essential support to those in need."
Fran is no stranger to setting world records and making a much-needed impact in the process. In 2023, she captured national attention when she dribbled a football nearly 1,000km from the Gold Coast to Sydney.
As a professional athlete who was scouted to represent England at just 15, the 2023 campaign raised funds for Women Sport Australia and highlighted the importance of women in sport during the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
For more information and to make a donation, visit www.reachoutspeakupchallenge.com.au
ABOUT FRAN HURNDALL
Fran Hurndall is a trailblazing athlete and former footballer whose journey began with early success, being scouted by Arsenal Ladies at 13 and representing England at 15.
In 2023, Fran gained attention by dribbling a football 1,000 kilometres from the Gold Coast to Sydney, setting a Guinness World Record, raising funds for Women Sport Australia, and elevating the role of women in sport during the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Her next challenge, the 2025 Reach Out Speak Up Challenge, is an incredible 3,800km run from Cottesloe Beach to Sydney–the equivalent of three marathons a day for 34 days–to raise $1 million for domestic violence survivors. The run, which honours her sister, a domestic abuse survivor, aims to spark crucial conversations around family violence and provide much-needed resources for survivors.
In Australia, two out of every five people have been exposed to domestic violence, and one in every five women has faced family violence. Fran aims to set a new world record, beating the current record by five days, all while raising awareness and substantial funds for domestic violence support.
The journey will begin on 1 May 2025 from Cottesloe Beach, Perth. Hurndall will run 12-14 hours a day, covering 110km daily, burning an average of 8,000 calories, and going through more than 10 pairs of shoes. If successful, she will set a new world record and become the first woman to attempt this feat in under 40 days.
Contact details:
Robyn Holland
0409781192
