- 75-year-old Daryl Allen will run his 20th marathon on the 1st of November to raise funds for Youth Insearch.
- Daryl has supported Youth Insearch for over 30 years, previously completing multiple endurance events including Ultraman Australia in 2016 at age 66.
- He will run the full 42.2 kilometre Huskisson Marathon in Jervis Bay, his first marathon in nine years.
- Despite his age, Daryl maintains that training for a marathon at 75 is the same as at 35 or 45, "just slower".
- His fundraising efforts have previously raised over $65,000 for Youth Insearch's peer-led support programs.
On November 1st, 75-year-old Daryl ‘Dasher’ Allen will lace up for his 20th marathon, his first in nine years, to raise vital funds for Youth Insearch, a national charity helping young people heal from trauma and improve their mental health through peer-led support programs.
Daryl first got involved with Youth Insearch over three decades ago. “One night many years ago... I arrived home from work after a couple of beers and turned on the telly to see a segment on Youth Insearch,” he recalls. “I thought, I'm going to do something about that. I always think I'm going to do something and I don't. This time I’m actually going to do something.”
Since then, Daryl has completed countless endurance events in support of Youth Insearch, including becoming the oldest competitor to finish Ultraman Australia in 2016, raising over $65,000.
Now, Daryl will be running the full 42.2 kilometre Huskisson Marathon in Jervis Bay, determined to cross the finish line and continue supporting young people in need.
“From the first time I saw what was happening with those young people at that camp on television... it was extraordinarily moving,” he says. “I found it really emotional. And the program works. I’m a total believer in it.”
When asked what motivates him to keep running after all these years, Daryl laughs: “Every time I’ve run a marathon, I swear I’m never doing another one. But here we go again.” He swears that training for a marathon at 75 is no different to training at 35 or 45, “It's just slower.”
Despite his modesty, Daryl hopes his efforts inspire others: “A lot of my friends just shake their heads when I say I’m running a marathon. But hopefully it shows that if there’s anything you want to do at any time in your life, have a go. You’ll give yourself a surprise.”
Youth Insearch CEO Stephen Lewin says Daryl’s dedication has profoundly influenced both the organisation and the young people it supports. “For more than 30 years, Daryl has been part of the Youth Insearch story. His energy, commitment and heart have inspired both young people and our team. His latest challenge is another incredible example of his belief in what’s possible.”
Support Daryl’s marathon and help change young lives at daryl.raiselysite.com/
ENDS
About us:
Youth Insearch is a nationally recognised, peer-led organisation supporting young people aged 12 to 25 to recover from
trauma and improve mental health outcomes. For 40 years, we have delivered evidence-based programs co-designed and facilitated by young people with lived experience.
Our model includes Weekend Workshops, Weekly Support Groups, and Individual Support across Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales. Grounded in a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, our programs prioritise safety, connection, and empowerment.
A key point of difference is our use of trained youth Peer Leaders, graduates of the program who now support others through recovery. By embedding lived experience at the centre of the service delivery, Youth Insearch builds trust, reduces stigma, and contributes to early intervention, long-term resilience, and stronger communities.
Contact details:
Susan Sciffer
0439 800 388
[email protected]
Jessica Wilson
0499 502 215
[email protected]
