Dave Chapman runs 100km from Dongara to Geraldton finishing at Tarcoola Tavern, raising funds for Beyond Blue

In a bid to prove his mates wrong and to raise money for a good cause, David Chapman ran an incredible 100km between Dongara and Geraldton in 15 hours over the weekend. About 40 supporters, friends and family waited at the Tarcoola Tavern for Mr Chapman’s arrival after he left south of Dongara about 4am on Saturday, feeling confident with plenty of nervous energy. Mr Chapman’s support Rick Sullivan said a support vehicle carrying ice rags, food and water followed closely behind him with signage and two-way radios, while support runners took turns pushing him on. The 100km challenge took 14 hours and 58 minutes. Mr Chapman said he was never a big runner or took running seriously until six months ago. “I was having a laugh with friends (from Rovers Cardinals Hockey Club), we were sitting around talking about Nedd Brockmann’s 100km for 46 days and I said I could do one day and I committed to it,” he said. Raising money for Beyond Blue, Mr Chapman said he’d struggled with mental health and watched friends suffer with similar situations, and raised about $6000 for the cause. “It’s been a tough couple of years and I’ve seen a lot of friends go down to depression. I’m just trying to get the notice out that it can be bad and help is available,” he said. “About 40km in it was early and I didn’t think I was going to make it and the day got hot.” “My feet and knees are killing me . . . I’m happy it’s done and I’m happy with what I’ve achieved. I couldn’t fathom getting up another day and doing it again.” Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au