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

Batyr Civic2Surf 2012 is Kicking Off!

Hello friends and fellow Batyr supporters!

This year the Civic2Surf is being rerun and revamped! The 320km journey from Civic, Canberra to Bondi, Sydney is being run by a team of 60 runners, with each completing two 5km legs.

The event has just kicked off and the response has already been overwhelming. On Sunday 19^th August, runner registration opened and the 60 places were filled within 36 hours, indicating the enthusiasm and support of the ANU students getting behind the event.

With the runners signed up and itching to get started, the first training commenced on Sunday 26^th August. Training organisers, Calder Hammill and Harry Bennetto eased everyone into the trainings with a slow-paced 5km run along Lake Burley Griffin and through Civic. Around 45 eager runners attended, with the numbers set to increase as the event approaches. As well as building fitness, the trainings will provide an informal environment to discuss mental health and strategies to support friends.

There are some exciting things lined up for trainings, with Olympic rowing finalist Brodie Buckland scheduled to speak to the runners about managing stress and reaching your goals.

Make sure you keep checking the blog! There will be lots of photos, weekly updates on training, sponsorship and our progress. Look out for our runner interviews, so you can get insight into what motivates the participants to support Batyr.

Spread the word and please continue to donate at:

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

DAY 6 -Civic to Surf

Day Six: Friday 2nd December 

After almost dying on the way to the starting point, due to Henry's crazy driving, the team was met by Seb Robertson (Batyr's founder) who was sporting some very fluorescent running shoes. Today was a physically tough day for Bronti, Evan, Jack, Harry and Calder. With over 245 kilometres under their belts little niggles were becoming constant aches and pains. The team decided the best way to physically and mentally tackle today's 50 kilometres was to break up the run into 8 kilometre blocks.

With Seb's constant flow of conversation the team set off at 8am by jogging the first 10 kilometres along a fire trail within the Royal National Park. Running along the higher points of Wollongong the team were kept busy listening to Seb's IB stories, his experiences with Batyr and the good old days at John XXIII College. Needless to say there was no listening to ipods today.

Bronti, Jack, Harry, Evan and Calder stopped at Sublime Point for lunch where it was only due to Seb's motivation that the tired and very sore team were able to get up and start running again. Continuing their 8 kilometre blocks the team ran through an eerily quiet christian camp, saw hang gliders jumping off cliffs and Calder, true to form, tried to pick up an echidna. According to Evan, after the echidna incident Calder proceeded to tell echidna facts for the next half an hour much to Jack, Bronti, Evan and Harry's dismay. The team was also joined for a couple of kilometres by Jacko. His presence boosted morale as the team worked their way out of the national park.

The support team of Henry and Jacko were replaced by the inseparable Dean and Lucy upon reaching the top of the park. Bronti was thankful to have another girl around. A sudden surge of energy, or maybe it was desperation to reach the end, caused the team to run an astounding 10 kilometres in under an hour. During this time Harry took 3 energy gels. Unfortunately this was before the team hit Orderly Hill, a steep 2 kilometre long hill. Whilst Jack, Evan, Calder, Bronti and Seb were steadily conquering Orderly Hill, Harry was melting post energy gels. However he made it to the top and to the end point of Loftus.

Finishing their 50 kilometre day at 9.30pm the team are staying at Dean's holiday house in Bundeena which is located in the Royal National Park. They were cooked a delicious meal by Lucy and are looking forward to a good night sleep before they begin the final day in their 330 kilometre journey.

Tomorrow Bronti, Jack, Evan, Calder and Harry will get up at 5.30am to leave camp at 7am to begin their 35 kilometre run to Bondi. Aches and pains aside the team remain in high spirits. Tomorrow the team will be focusing on running the last 35 kilometres together and reflecting on the journey that was the last 6 days.

Jack, Harry, Bronti, Evan and Calder would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support. They look forward to seeing you all at Bondi tomorrow. So please come down to the Bondi Pavilion at 3pm to welcome them home.

Please continue to donate: 
Online via netbank -Account name: John XXIII College
Account number: 100 852 82
BSB: 062 902
Make sure in 'TO ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION' you put C2S followed by YOUR NAME


So far the Civic to Surf team have raised $2,535!! You are able to donate tomorrow at Bondi so please be generous in your support for Jack, Harry, Bronti, Calder and Evan.

DAY 5 -Civic to Surf

Day Five: Thursday 1st December 2011

Much to Bronti's delight the boys were ready on time and the team was able to roll out at 7.30am. Calder, Jack, Harry, Evan and Bronti started the day off strong with a solid 8 kilometre jog to warm up their tired legs. Upon reaching the fire trail they had planned to take they discovered that there was an $11,000 fine for entering the catchment area. After much discussion on whether to risk the fine and continue with their plan or change the route the team decided it was not worth the risk. Now they had the big task of re-routing their 50 kilometre run for the day. A job that the team did not want to waste time doing however they had no choice.

After deciding the continue along the Illawarra highway for 5 kilometres it seemed luck was on their side when they ran into some very friendly bushwalkers. It was these bushwalkers who informed them that there had been a murder along one of the trails in the catchment area earlier this week. It seemed their choice to change their route had been a good one. The kind bushwalkers helped them re-plan their route for the day showing them the Macquarie Pass through the mountains which would get them to Wollongong by nightfall.

Leaving the highway at Macquarie Pass the team bush bashed along a narrow path. Surrounded by beautiful bushland the team scaled down a steep cliff and found a waterfall. Stopping for a quick dip in a rock pool the team decided to mark the occasion by taking a group photo 'au naturale'.

Emerging from the fire trail Jack, Evan, Harry, Bronti and Calder met up with the new drivers Henry and Jacko along with Sari (Evan's mum) for lunch. As the team had faced the task of re-planning their entire day's route they had only covered 15 kilometres by lunch. This meant that they had a monster 35 kilometre afternoon, much of which would be running if they were to make it to camp before dark. Although faced with this monstrous task, the team were in great spirits after their adventure through Macquarie Pass and the fresh faces of Sari, Henry and Jacko.

The team cut their lunch short to begin their 35 kilometre run to camp. Running for a solid 25 kilometres the team made good time. Even indulging in a shirtless run on the outskirts of Wollongong. In true humanitarian style they saved many animals, turtles included, from becoming road kill along the way. Calder was happy to report that they saw no ducks on the road. Arriving at a caravan park in Bulli at 9pm the team were greeted by Jacko and Hentry who were ready with a delicious meal for them.

Tomorrow the team are running just west of Wollongong through the Royal National Park to end up on the outskirts of Sydney by nightfall. They are looking forward to being joined by Seb Robertson (Batyr's founder) tomorrow. He will run with them for the whole day to show his support and appreciation for what they are doing.

The Civic to Surf team would like to thank Harriet Royle for her kind donation of Lululemon shorts. They are much appreciated as according to the boys "its like running with nothing on" and Bronti is happy that her shorts are improving her previous shorts tan.

Please continue to donate: 
Online via netbank -Account name: John XXIII College
Account number: 100 852 82
BSB: 062 902
Make sure in 'TO ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION' you put C2S followed by YOUR NAME

Please come down to the Bondi Beach Pavilion at 3pm on Saturday to welcome the Jack, Harry, Calder, Bronti and Evan home!

DAY 4 -Civic to Surf

Day Four: Wednesday 30th November 2011

The plan was a 7am start. 7am came and Bronti was packed and ready out the front of Simbra Cottage Bed and Breakfast. The boy were still sound asleep in their bed. Solution? Bronti playing her alarm on repeat. Outcome? They were up and running by 7.30am. Evan would like it to be noted that he was the first boy ready.

Relieved to have a run with no packs (Richo and Krishna would bring them at lunch time) the team started out feeling light and refreshed after sleeping in a bed. They ran at a steady pace however according to Harry it grew boring so everyone put their ipods in. The team ran 24 kilometers sonly stopping for a quick morning tea outside Pemrose Primary School.

6 kilometres from Exeter Kirra and her mum Karin met the team laden with cold water and copious amounts of fresh fruit (classic Kirra). Kirra joined the team for the day, adding fresh conversation and news from the outside world. Due to car issues Richo and Krishna were stuck in Wingello unable to bring the team their much needed packs and water. Upon reaching Exeter the team hungry and needing to rest their tired legs were saved by money donated by Karin. This allowed them to buy a make-shift lunch consisting of a loaf of bread, jar of peanut butter, honey, ham and refreshments.

Feeling fresh after food, water and a brief chat with Seb (Batyr's founder) the team left Exeter and began their 24 kilometre journey to Robertson. Alternating between running and walking the team were in high spirits with constant chatter from Kirra who provided Bronti with some much needed female company. Afternoon highlights included hitting the Illawarra highway in record time thanks to Harry and Bronti's quick pace and Jack's excellent navigation. Calder continued to demonstrate his love for ducks as he attempted to save ducklings from being road kill. Evan provided never ending quick wit and the team were happily surprised from a brief drive by visit from Caity McDougall.

As Richo and Krishna were still trying to fix the problems with the car, the team was fast running out of supplies. Ensuring the team had enough food and water to last the last 14 kilometres to Robertson, Karin dropped off the teams packs and supplies when she came to drag a reluctant Kirra home.

It was as Jack, Bronti, Evan, Calder and Harry were nearing Robertson that they encountered one of many random acts of kindness that they have experienced over the past 4 days. After seeing them jogging along the Illawarra Highway, Nathan (a random passerby) returned equipped with 5 gatorades and many words of encouragement. Nathan's kindness didn't end here, upon passing by the pizza shop in Robertson the team were given 3 pizzas which had been organised and paid for by Nathan. It is acts of kindness that give the Civic to Surf team added strength to continue towards their goal.

Arriving at 7.30 the team were greeted by Gillie (Jack and Harry's mother) who had cooked a wonderful meal for them and kindly booked a cabin so they could have a much needed hot shower. According to Kirra the team is in good physical form, are maintaining high morale and have such a strong sense of camaraderie. Tomorrow the team will head towards Wollongong.

Jack, Harry, Calder, Evan and Bronti would like to thank the 'Skins' Company for their very kind donation of full body skins.

Please continue to donate: 
Online via netbank -Account name: John XXIII College
Account number: 100 852 82
BSB: 062 902
Make sure in 'TO ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION' you put C2S followed by YOUR NAME

The team cant wait to see everyone at 4pm at the Bondi Beach Pavilion!