Warrnambool runner to raise funds by completing 500km in October

Wallis will run 500km for the month to raise money for Warrnambool and District Food Share.

Food Share provides emergency relief to vulnerable people and families across the south-west.

"You hear about all these people losing jobs and it popped in my head I've got time to do it now as I don't have to train for any events," he said.

"I just love getting out and going for a run.

"It'll be good to push my own limits a little bit and do something good for the community.

"I've been pretty lucky to have full-time work through both COVID lockdowns."

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The courier said he chose Food Share because it was local and provided an array of important services.

"All the services they provide, you don't even know until you read about it - then it's like 'oh man'," he said.

He hopes to ease the burden for people with Christmas around the corner.

Wallis said he had been in a situation where he needed a food voucher as a young man.

He regards that time as a turning point in his life.

Wallis is asking people donate 10 cents per kilometre, equating to maximum of $50 each.

The 500km goal seems an almighty summit but not for one of the south-west's best runners.

He said he normally clocks up 350-400kms per month.

He clocked up 66kms on the weekend.

"It should be OK, all I've got to do is another five ks a day," he said.

About 16kms a day will see him hit his target.

Wallis has already received donations to his MyCause web page.

The Warrnambool resident is welcoming others to join him on a run and is happy to adjust his pace.

He will document each day of October on running application Strava for anyone interested in following his progress. Those interested just need to search for his name.

Warranmbool foreshore promenade, Thunder Point and the Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail are among his favourite tracks.

Warrnambool and District Food Share executive officer Dedy Friebe said he was extremely pleased Wallis initiated the fundraiser.

"We were delighted because having the support of the community and having charitable money raised in this way is a big help to us," he said.

He added the community had played an enormous part in helping Food Share this year alongside Foodbank and local supermarkets.

"At the moment we're trying to get a range of food products to marginalised families and people in need," he said.

"We're trying to make sure we have the best product available to the community."

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