A team of local construction workers are preparing to challenge their mental and physical limits as they participate in a 48-hour marathon event in May.
Six staff members from Maroochydore-based DYFA Plumbing will put themselves on the line for the gruelling Goggins Challenge, which encompasses running 6.4km, every four hours across 48 hours.
Equating to just over 77 kilometres across the two days, the challenge was created by David Goggins, an American ultramarathon runner, ultra-distance cyclist, triathlete and retired Navy SEAL.
DYFA Plumbing estimator Dave Spurling is coordinating the local challenge and said the team would use the event to raise money for Mates in Construction, a charity supporting mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry.
“I was going to do this challenge on an individual basis and mentioned it to a few guys in here and it evolved into a charity thing where we could raise some money and link it with Mates in Construction,” he says.
According to research revealed by Mates in Construction, the construction and mining industry has one of the highest rates of suicide than any other industry, with 190 workers taking their life each year.
“This means we lose a construction worker every second day to suicide,” a statement from Mates in Construction read.
“Work within the industry is highly transient with most workers employed on a project-by-project basis, for periods ranging from a few weeks to at best a few years.
“Other research has shown us that workers find it difficult to discuss feelings and emotions with colleagues at work, and the nature of the work has made social support more difficult. “Pride is identified as an issue – male workers have a problem with not being viewed as ‘manly’.”
Mates in Construction worker actively engage the industry in sustainable programs including General Awareness Training, Connector and ASIST courses, which are aimed at building self-reliance and resilience with the industry, and developing networks, links and communities within workplaces.
“For us being in this industry, we thought it was fitting to align ourselves for that,” Mr Spurling said.
“We work alongside people who have had their own challenges and you do see it out there and it is definitely something that is close to us.
“This is a unique challenge and helps build that awareness. People might be more likely to investigate and see why we are doing it and raise a bit of cash and awareness.”
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Having competed in triathlons, Mr Spurling said he was preparing for as much a mental challenge as a physical one across the two days.
“It’s definitely a mental challenge and a bit of a grind over 48 hours.
“It’s something a little outside the box and bringing that team moral in and promoting and active approach.
“If we can make a small difference and by getting active it’s a win-win for all.”
Mr Spurling said the team was currently meeting to do a team run on Fridays as well as individually training throughout the week.
The DYFA team will complete the challenge from May 28 to 30 and hopes to reach a fundraising target of $20,000.
Donate: gofundraise.com.au and search “DYFA Running for a Cause”.
