As dawn breaks over the western coast of Australia in May 2025, Fran Hurndall will take her first steps on an extraordinary odyssey. This 32-year-old former professional soccer player isn’t just chasing personal glory; she’s racing to shine a light on a critical issue that affects countless lives. With each stride across the continent, Hurndall aims to set a new world record and, more importantly, raise both awareness and substantial funds for domestic violence support.
A Race Against Time and Tragedy
Hurndall’s mission is twofold: to become the fastest person to run from Perth to Sydney, and to raise a staggering $1 million for domestic violence support and awareness. Her initiative, aptly named “Reach Out Speak Up,” aims to shine a spotlight on an issue that often lurks in the shadows of our society.
The statistics are sobering. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 120 people are hospitalised due to domestic and family violence every week. Even more chilling is the fact that on average, one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner.
“We need to have serious conversations about domestic and family violence – the time is now,” Hurndall asserts. Her passion for this cause is deeply personal, fuelled by her sister’s harrowing experience with domestic violence in the UK and her partner Natalie’s 17-year career in forensic policing.
Breaking Barriers and Records
Hurndall’s run is not just a test of physical endurance; it’s a race against the clock. She aims to cover the 3,800 km distance in just 34 days, beating the current record by five days. This means running the equivalent of three marathons every day for over a month.
The journey will begin in May, 2025, at Esplanade Park in Fremantle, Perth. Hurndall will run 12-14 hours a day, covering 110km daily, burning an average of 7,000 calories, and going through more than 10 pairs of shoes. If successful, she will not only set a new world record but also become the first woman to attempt this feat in under 40 days.
A History of Pushing Limits
This isn’t Hurndall’s first rodeo when it comes to world record attempts. In 2023, during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, she successfully dribbled a soccer ball from the Gold Coast to Sydney, covering 1,000km over 32 days. This Guinness World Record-setting run, called “Chick with a Ball,” raised funds for Women Sport Australia.
The Path Ahead
As Hurndall prepares for this monumental challenge, she’s seeking sponsorship from Australian businesses to help fund the run’s logistics. But more importantly, she’s calling on all of us to join her cause.
“Through Reach Out Speak Up, I aim to not only raise vital funds but also want to inspire victims and others aware of domestic abuse to speak up and support those affected,” Hurndall says. “Together, we can make a difference and bring an end to the insidious cycle of violence.”
As Fran Hurndall laces up her running shoes in May, she’ll be carrying more than just her own dreams. She’ll be carrying the hopes of countless individuals affected by domestic violence, stride by determined stride, across the vast expanse of Australia. And in doing so, she reminds us all that sometimes, the most powerful way to speak up is to keep moving forward.
Fran will join us live on stage at the Randwick Ritz Gutsy Girls screening Thursday 8th August. Get your tickets here
Follow Fran Hurndall instagram HERE
