What’s Happening?
Four runners are crossing Australia’s east coast to support children affected by human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Griffin Hughes, Flinders Cobley, Chelsea Dyer and Nathan Maufe began their attempt at Cape York’s tip on Saturday 1 August.
Their route will take them to Wilsons Promontory in Victoria, the southernmost point of the Australian mainland. Rather than using a relay, all four will complete the course while remaining together throughout the crossing.
The group is pursuing a world record for the fastest crossing of Australia’s east coast on foot. At the same time, they are raising funds for Destiny Rescue, an Australian-founded non-profit organisation.
Why It Matters
Destiny Rescue works internationally to rescue children from human trafficking and sexual exploitation, then equips them to stay free. Since its Australian founding in 2001, the organisation has helped more than 27,000 people to freedom.
For Mr Hughes, the children supported by Destiny Rescue remain the reason behind each day on the road.
“This was never about us,” Mr Hughes said. “Every single day, we carry one purpose with us: 476 children are enduring unimaginable pain right now, waiting to be rescued. It’s about raising awareness, saving those children, and giving them a future where hope isn’t just possible, it’s real.”
Local Impact
The run began in Cape York, placing Queensland at the starting point of the national fundraising campaign. As the runners pass through east coast communities, residents can learn about the cause, share their progress or contribute.
Supporters can also follow the group’s progress online as it continues towards Victoria. Destiny Rescue Fundraising Manager Gavin McCulloch said these individual actions could help build broader support.
“Every stranger who stops to ask, shares it online, or gives what they can is growing something bigger than any one run, a whole community standing up for children who can’t stand up for themselves. That’s how more children step into freedom,” Mr McCulloch said.
By the Numbers
- 6,000 kilometres: This is the full distance planned for the east coast crossing from Queensland to Victoria.
- 75 kilometres each day: Every runner expects to cover close to two marathons daily across roughly 80 days.
- $1 million: The fundraising goal supports Destiny Rescue, which has helped more than 27,000 people since 2001.
Zoom In
Every participant plans to cover the entire distance, rather than completing one section as part of a relay. This means Hughes, Cobley, Dyer and Maufe will face every kilometre together.
Their daily effort remains focused on 476 children who, according to the campaign, are currently waiting to be rescued.
Zoom Out
The run connects an Australian world record attempt with a charity working internationally. Destiny Rescue’s role also continues after each rescue, with the organisation helping children remain free from exploitation.
That work gives the fundraising campaign a purpose extending well beyond the finish at Wilsons Promontory.
What To Look For Next?
The runners plan to reach Wilsons Promontory around 80 days after leaving Cape York. Their final time will determine whether they secure the fastest east coast crossing on foot.
In the meantime, supporters can follow their progress and contribute through runaustralia.org.
