Every day since March 1, 40-year-old Rob Bounds has laced up his sneakers and run 50 kilometers — regardless of pouring rain, gusty winds, and even a long-lasting tropical cyclone.
That’s because every step of the way, the Australian runner is raising money for We Are Mobilise — a national charity network that provides social services, employment services, and housing opportunities to Australians facing homelessness.
His ultimate goal? To raise $2.2 million for his unhoused neighbors.
“I’m 33 days in now, over 1,600 km run, and I’m feeling stronger than ever,” Bounds told My City Logan — a Brisbane-based news outlet — on April 3.
So far, Bounds is holding strong.
“I had a few niggles in the first 10 days – knees, hamstrings, toes – but after that, my recovery has been incredible,” he said. “Just two days ago, I finished a 50 kilometer run with the last 20 kilometers at four minutes and 35 seconds per kilometer.”
Bounds attributes his relentless pace to his strict carnivore diet — a trademark that earned him the social media moniker “The Carnivore Runner.”
By documenting his experience on Instagram and Facebook, Bounds hopes to increase awareness for rates of homelessness in Queensland, a metric that has surged by 34% in the last five years alone.
“We live in the city now and it’s everywhere – tents, people sleeping in cars, park benches. I used to be one of those people who looked the other way,” he said.
“But over these 33 days, I’ve stopped and spoken to around 50 people sleeping rough, and they’ve all been lovely, approachable people. Homelessness doesn’t discriminate, it affects people from all walks of life.”
Bounds is proud of every cent he’s raised so far, but he still has his eyes on that whopping $2.2 million goal post.
“So far we’ve raised around $5,000, and while I’m proud of that, I know we can do more,” he said. “This isn’t about me – it’s about Queensland stepping up. I just set up the platform.”
It’s a challenge directly inspired by fellow ultramarathoner Ned Brockman, who raised $2.2 million for We Are Mobilise in 2022 by running the breadth of the country — from Perth’s Cottlesloe Beach to Sydney’s Bondi Beach — in 47 days.
It’s a legendary feat that Bounds looks forward to matching, with a little help from his friends.
“I’ve had old mates from Mackay join me, local running groups like Pat Carroll’s crew have shared the journey and donated. It’s the community that’s kept me going,” he said.
“If I’ve got to run across Australia to hit that $2.2 million, then that’s what I’ll do.”
Header images via Rob Bounds / Facebook
