FACING both a mental and physical challenge, Mount Gambier man Michael Mustart will put his body to the ultimate test in a 24-hour run to raise money for the Stand Like Stone Foundation.
Beginning at 10am from The Rail, Mr Mustart will follow a 10km Valley Lakes and Centenary Tower designated loop circuit in the hopes of reaching a $10,000 fundraising goal.
Through day and night, and with only short five to 10 minute breaks, the determined local will be cheered on and motivated by fellow runners who will join him for sections of the run.
Wanting to give back to the community, Mr Mustart said he will push through the pain and tiredness to complete the challenge ahead.
“I was inspired by my running coach Phil who did a 24-hour run a few years ago and I really wanted to support a local charity that does so much for the community,” he said.
Carbohydrate loading in the week leading up to the event, Mr Mustart said he feels well prepared and is determined to make it to the end.
“I haven’t done 24 hours before, but I have done lots of training, anywhere from 80km a week to over 100km,” he said.
“The longest I have done in one go is 50km so this will be a big challenge, but I have around 48 people who will be helping me along the way.”
Working with a nutritionist to ensure he will be able to physically get through the 24 hours, Mr Mustart admitted he will be eating anything he can to keep his energy levels up.
From pizza and pasta to energy gels, he said the biggest challenge will be staying awake from midnight to sunrise.
“On race day it will be anything does, I will get in as much as I can, maybe a couple of pizzas in one go,” he said.
“You really have to train your body for it, running on a full stomach and empty stomach so your body can handle it.
“I won’t rest throughout it – maybe get a foot massage, but that will be it.”
However, although physically draining, Mr Mustart said the mental challenge could almost be even harder.
“I’ve spoken to people who have run ultra marathons that start to hallucinate, it hasn’t happened to me before, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it did this time,” he said.
“Having people with me along the way will definitely help to keep me going and with such a challenging track there will be times I will have to walk for a bit to recover.
“There is no way I could do the run up to Centenary Tower 20 or so times.”
Focusing on getting through the 24 hours and not on the distance, Mr Mustart said he will complete the task at his own pace.
“It is not a competition, the main thing is to raise money – the only one I will be competing against is myself,” he said.
“It will be a challenge, but I’ll be alright.”
So far raising $6500 for the local charity, Mr Mustart said with the support of the community he hopes to reach his $10,000 goal.
“A dozen or so local businesses have donated already, which has been fantastic, but I am really hoping on the day people can get behind it, it’s for a good cause,” he said.
Visit www.standlikestone.com.au/24-hour-tower-run/?id=168 to donate.
