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A navy vet has run 133km for homeless veterans and mental health

Headshot of Indigo Lemay-Conway
Indigo Lemay-ConwaySound Telegraph
Martin Kallane finishing off his ultramarathon.
Camera IconMartin Kallane finishing off his ultramarathon.

A navy veteran has run a gruelling 133km from Shoalwater to Toodyay raising funds and awareness for homeless veterans and mental health.

Last month, Martin Kallane ran for 30 hours straight in support of Warrior Racing, a not-for-profit organisation providing support to serving and ex-serving members and veterans.

“When I left the navy in 2000 we lived in Rockingham. Life was full of adventure for our family but it wasn’t long before we started to struggle. The financial pressures crept in and my marriage started to break down,” Mr Kallane said.

“After a few years, the uncertainty turned into self-doubt, low self-confidence and what would be classed today as depression. I was living in my car and sleeping on the side of the road.

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“Conquered and feeling no consequence for my actions, I attempted to take my life.”

After many years of “self-destruction”, Mr Kallane said he found his way back after contacting services like Warrior Racing.

Martin Kallane mid way through his ultramarathon from Shoalwater to Toodyay.
Camera IconMartin Kallane mid way through his ultramarathon from Shoalwater to Toodyay.

“The run from Shoalwater to Toodyay was a journey from where it all started to where I am today.

“The route I chose was a sense of reconnecting with each of my children as I ran past each of their homes along the way,” he said.

“It was tough during the night on Toodyay road as it got down to sub zero in the cool hours of the morning, but there are so many beautiful souls struggling every day with mental illness who haven't given up, so for me giving up was never an option.”

Mr Kallane will take part in the 352km Delirious W.E.S.T ultramarathon on October 6 to continue raising funds and awareness for Warrior Racing, homeless veterans and mental health.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help you can call:

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Lifeline: 13 11 14

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