Melbourne-born Mina Guli is a woman on a mission to run 100 marathons in 100 days, and Mudgee has been chosen as one of her destinations.
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The #RunningDry campaign aims to bring awareness to the global water crisis, highlighting that the world is facing a projected 40 per cent shortfall between supply and demand for water by 2030.
“From my work at Peony, I got the chance to be nominated to join the World Economic Forum's community of Young Global Leaders (YGLs). It was through this community that I was introduced to the problem of 'invisible water' - the shocking amount of water needed to make everyday items like clothing and food - and its link to a global water crisis unfolding across the world,” Guli said.
“My life changed at that moment.
If we all stand together we can make a change and we can help to fix this problem, but we need to stand together to do this.
- Mina Guli
The athlete's decision to run a marathon in Mudgee comes as a result of community efforts through the period of severe drought.
Mudgee was selected based on their incredible efforts during the farmer crisis last year, and I wanted to highlight the importance of community.
- Mina Guli
In order to prepare for such a demanding task, Ms Guli took on her fair share of cycling, swimming, running and strength training.
However, the 48-year-old suffered a fractured femur after completing 62 marathons.
“It is a stress fracture from having run 62 marathons in 62 days. At the moment I’m not allowed to walk or run on the leg, and have to rest it to avoid permanent damage,” Guli said.
“It has reminded me that the purpose of this campaign is bigger than running and bigger than me.
“I am devastated that I can’t run right now, but I am completely inspired by the commitment of others who have encouraged me to pass the baton.
“The hope is that I will be able to complete the last eight planned marathons and until then I am relying on the donation of kilometres from people all around the world who have turned the #RunningDry campaign into a movement.”
Mina will be completing the marathon through Mudgee on Saturday, January 12.
Other Central West marathons Guli will run will be in Gilgandra, Dubbo, Cowra, and Wagga Wagga while her final destination for the Australian leg will come to a close at Melbourne.