Interview with Australian Adventurer of the Year Pat Farmer

Ultra-marathon runner Pat Farmer will join the Civic2Surf team and take part in the relay from Canberra to Bondi on October 5th and 6th to raise awareness for Batyr and mental health issues. Farmer who is 'proud to be an ambassador of the 2012 Civic2Surf' shares Batyr's passion for bringing about the social change needed to tackle mental illness amongst young Australians. The Australian Adventurer of the Year and a Red Cross Ambassador gives us an insight into his incredible Pole to Pole run, the challenges he faced and how he unwinds. 

What was the biggest challenge you faced when running from north pole to south pole?  
The Biggest Challenge I faced with the Pole to Pole Run was trying to convince people that I could do it thats why it was so difficult to get support because most people thought it impossible. as far as the event itself was concerned , The North pole with its minus 45degree temperatures and 100km/hour winds plus this ice cube that floats on the Arctic Ocean and keeps moving the finish line.

What was the biggest highlight? 
The biggest highlight was making it Through the Darien Jungle , so many people warned me about this place and it is billed as the most Dangerous place on Earth. I saw Anaconda, Tucan, Howler Monkeys and Macaw, we lived off the land and its no surprise that with 19 armed soldiers that I didn't see any "Gorillas with Guns"

You obviously faced some difficult times during those 21,000 kilometres. What helped you get through them? 
The thing that helped me through the dark times during that run was the knowledge that I was Inspiring lives and saving lives with every milestone I overcame.

When did you first hear about Batyr? 
I first heard about Batyr a few months ago and was immediately impressed with their compassion to help others with depression and mental illness

What do you do to unwind/release stress?
To unwind and relieve stress I run, I find this my best form of escape from the sometimes manic world I live in.

Who do you talk to when you have concerns?
I find that it is important for us to have a friend that we can confide in and seek advise I have a couple of friends like this and I regularly bounce Ideas and concerns off them.

Please continue to spread the word and donate at: 

http://www.everydayhero.com.au/civic2surf

An Interview with organisers Jack Bennetto and Evan England

Check out the 7.30 Report on Batyr and its founder Sebastian Robertson for more information on Seb's personal experience and what inspired him to found Batyr.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-14/sebastians-story/4262812?section=act

Watch out for some of the Civic2Surf runners in the last minute of the interview. Unfortunately, Jack and Evan's interview didn't make the cut so we have included an interview with the two Civic2Surf organisers.

-       How old are you/what do you study?

Jack: I’m 21 and I study a Bachelor of Science and Commerce.

Evan: I am 21 and I study a Bachelor of Arts/Commerce.

-       What inspired you to create the Civic2Surf?

Evan: We wanted to create something that both physically and mentally challenged ourselves outside of university and to generate something positive for a cause that affects so many people our age.

Jack: I was really surprised to hear that Seb had a mental health issue and it made me think there must be other people out there, maybe mates of mine, that have suffered too, and think they have to tackle this alone. I believe this event is a great way to get people talking and reaching out to others, sharing their own struggles.

I enjoy running and challenging myself and I felt like this event was a good way to integrate the two.

-       When did you first hear about Batyr?

Evan: I first heard about Batyr when Seb spoke at John XXIII College in March 2011.

Jack: Yeah I first heard friends talking about how great Seb’s presentation was, so I looked Batyr up online and spoke to Seb and got a good understanding about what the charity was about and thought it was a really worthwhile cause.

-       Why did you decide to change the event from the 2011 format?

Jack:  After the success of last years run, a large number of people expressed interest in running with us in 2012. So a relay format enables us to involve a lot more people. In this way, 60 runners can participate and they can all reach out to 10 or so people each, many more people are engaged which helps raise awareness and funds. And it is exciting doing a relay!

Evan:  Our goal is to make the Civic2Surf an event that can be run annually and is challenging yet possible for everyone.

-       What has been the biggest challenge?

Jack:  Getting permission from the NSW Police to hold the event, when we initially proposed the 24hour idea they shut it down immediately- which was quite deflating. It has been challenging to work around this roadblock and design the run so it keeps all the runners safe and will get us there in 24 hours.  At this stage, Seb played a crucial role. He really taught us to be persistent and not take no for an answer.

Evan:  We really want to ensure that the Civic2Surf does Batyr justice so another big challenge is trying to make as many people aware of the great work Batyr does as possible. 

-       What has been the biggest highlight?

Evan:  Many things- seeing how quickly everyone has gotten involved, the stories people have shared, the amount of positive feedback we have received. And finally meeting so many new people!

Jack:  A massive highlight has been receiving the $5000 SEEF grant from the university on Friday, it takes so much pressure off our finances and allows us to have a really fun launch event and end point. It was very rewarding because a lot of the organisers put a lot of time and effort into forming a really solid application.

I have also been overwhelmed by how quickly everyone got involved, the runners signed up in 24 hours. We have a great bunch of organisers who have put so much effort into this event.

I can’t wait for the run to start and I know a highlight will be running into Bondi with the team.

-       What do you do to unwind/release stress?

Evan: I take myself away from where I am. When I can, I go to the beach and have a surf. Anything that is worrying me I put down on paper and put it aside until things are put into perspective.

Jack:  Go for a jog is a great way to clear your mind. Getting out of Canberra every now and then is always a hit.

-       Who do you talk to when you have concerns?

Evan:  My mum who manages to always fix everything, but I also have close friends who I can always call for a chat.

Jack:  My dad and I have got a couple of close mates who I could share almost anything with. 

Please continue to spread the word and donate at: 

http://www.everydayhero.com.au/civic2surf

The countdown is on: Less than 1 month to go

Hello friends and fellow Batyr supporters!!

Firstly a huge thank you to everyone for their ongoing support and donations. The momentum for the Civic2Surf has really picked up with interest and donations from Corporates and individuals. A special mention to those involved in the fundraising at the John XXIII College annual parents weekend. The support and donations were greatly appreciated.

With less than one month to go until the Civic2Surf trainings are increasing as Harry and Caldar put the runners through their paces with a variety of different runs. The Civic2Surf runners have embraced the challenge and shown their team spirit getting amongst themed training runs.

To coincide with Batyr’s first birthday the 7.30 Report filmed a program on Batyr’s founder Sebastian Robertson with the Civic2Surf lucky enough to get a mention! Watch the 7.30 Report on this Friday night to see if Jack and Evan’s interview makes the cut! Make sure to look out for other Civic2Surf team members lurking in the background. 

October 5^th is fast approaching and the Civic2Surf team is getting amongst it all busily fundraising, training and enjoying the excitement of the upcoming event.

Please get involved and continue to spread the word and donate at:

http://www.everydayhero.com.au/civic2surf