A challenge of this scale comes with significant costs. Through this page, I’m raising funds to help make this journey possible and give me the opportunity to successfully take on and complete this challenge.

Growing up, I was always the “sporty” kid. If there was a game to play, a team to join, or a challenge to chase, I was there. I represented Victoria in Surf Lifesaving at a young age, learning resilience, discipline, and how to perform under pressure. I also played Women’s AFL, embracing the physicality and teamwork.

Soccer, however, was my dream. By age 10, my goal was a Division I scholarship to the USA. Through soccer, I played in the Premier League, represented the Australian School Girls Team internationally twice, played for Victoria four times, and served as captain for two years.

In 2019, I achieved my goal and began my collegiate soccer journey in America. Sport has always been more than something I do, it has shaped my identity, work ethic, and ambition.

After college, I turned to running, finding success on the international stage and winning multi-day ultramarathons. But after nearly a decade of elite sport, my body only knew intensity. That led to my greatest challenge: disordered eating.

Looking back, I see the importance of sharing my story. By being honest about the lows, I hope to help others navigate their own challenges and learn from the lessons I’ve fought hard to understand.

This leads me to my next challenge where I will attempt to become the fastest woman ever to cross Australia on foot, averaging an 75km per day for 55 consecutive days. The challenge, named Run for Recovery, begins on 19 October in Perth and finishes on 12 December, in Sydney on Bondi Beach.

My goal is to raise 1 million dollars for the Butterfly Foundation, the support I received from The Butterfly Foundation helped me to begin to understand my experience with disordered eating. With their help, I have taken meaningful steps toward recovery which has ultimately led me to this moment. This run is not just about the physical challenge; it is about reducing stigma, opening honest conversations, raising vital funds, and ensuring others can access the support that helped me when I needed it most.

This challenge cannot happen without financial support. Every contribution goes directly towards the costs of preparing for, undertaking, and successfully completing this challenge. Big goals require big commitment and significant resources. Your support will help fund the training, logistics, and execution needed to turn this challenge into reality.

Follow my journey every step of the way on Instagram @ash.harvie