Runner William Goodge Sets New Australian Crossing Record

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

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Goodge's Record-Breaking Run: The Details

The Australian Crossing is a grueling ultramarathon, a brutal test of endurance running across the vast and unforgiving Australian outback. This challenging desert crossing typically spans over 1,700 kilometers, traversing diverse and demanding terrain, including scorching deserts, rugged mountains, and unpredictable weather conditions. Previous attempts have been plagued by extreme heat, sandstorms, and navigational difficulties.

Goodge completed the Australian Crossing in an astonishing 28 days, 14 hours, and 37 minutes – a significant improvement on the previous record of 32 days, 5 hours, and 12 minutes, set by Sarah Williams in 2022. This represents a time improvement of almost 3 days, 10 hours and 35 minutes, a truly remarkable achievement in the world of endurance running. His finish time underscores the immense physical and mental strength required for such an undertaking.

Logistical planning was crucial to Goodge's success. A dedicated support crew provided vital assistance, ensuring he had regular supplies of food and water, while carefully planned route strategy, utilizing GPS navigation, helped him navigate the challenging and often featureless landscape. The logistical challenges of supplying and supporting a runner across such a vast distance cannot be understated.

• Route: Goodge's journey started in Uluru (Ayers Rock) and finished in Sydney, covering diverse terrain and passing many significant landmarks along the way.
• Daily Progress: He averaged approximately 60-70 kilometers per day, adapting his pace based on the terrain and weather conditions.
• Weather Challenges: He encountered several days of extreme heat, exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, as well as periods of unexpected rain and strong winds.

The Training Regimen: Preparing for the Ultimate Test

Goodge's preparation for the Australian Crossing was nothing short of extraordinary. His rigorous training program focused on building both physical conditioning and crucial mental preparation essential for ultramarathon success. This involved an incredibly demanding schedule designed to push his physical and mental limits.

His training methods included intense interval training sessions, incorporating high-intensity bursts interspersed with periods of recovery. Strength and conditioning exercises were a key component, aimed at building muscular endurance. Hill training played a crucial role in preparing him for the challenging inclines and declines of the Australian outback. The mental resilience developed through his rigorous training schedule was clearly a major factor in his success.

A unique aspect of his training plan was a dedicated focus on heat acclimatization. He spent significant time running in high-temperature conditions, mimicking the harsh Australian climate he'd face during the race. His nutrition strategy was carefully planned to provide optimal fuel and hydration during intense physical exertion.

• Weekly Mileage: He regularly ran over 200 kilometers per week, often incorporating back-to-back long runs of over 50 kilometers each.
• Training Terrain: His training incorporated a variety of terrains, including trails, roads, and sand dunes, mirroring the challenging conditions of the Australian Crossing.
• Dietary Strategy: He focused on a high-carbohydrate diet to maximize energy levels, coupled with meticulous hydration to avoid dehydration.

The Significance of the New Australian Crossing Record

Goodge's achievement has sent shockwaves through the ultra-running community in Australia. His incredible feat serves as a powerful source of inspiration for aspiring Australian athletes and demonstrates the potential of human endurance. It elevates the Australian Crossing to new heights of recognition within the global ultramarathon scene. This athletic achievement will inspire a new generation of ultra-runners to push their own limits.

This new benchmark presents significant future challenges for other athletes attempting to conquer the Australian Crossing. They will have Goodge's impressive time to strive for, adding an extra layer of competition and pressure. The record attempt itself has undoubtedly attracted significant media coverage both nationally and internationally, bringing further attention to the incredible sport of ultramarathons.

The broader appeal of ultramarathons and endurance sports, highlighted by Goodge's accomplishment, lies in their exploration of the boundaries of human potential. These events offer a unique opportunity to push physical limits, conquer inner doubts, and experience a profound sense of accomplishment. The sheer determination, strength and planning involved in these epic races are profoundly inspirational.

• Sponsorships: Goodge's success has already led to increased interest from sponsors, recognizing the value of aligning with such a remarkable achievement.
• Media Coverage: Major news outlets across Australia have extensively covered his record-breaking run, showcasing the event to a wide audience.
• Motivational Impact: His story is deeply motivating for aspiring ultra-runners, demonstrating that with dedication and careful planning, seemingly insurmountable goals can be achieved.

Conclusion

William Goodge's remarkable achievement in setting a new Australian Crossing record is a testament to his exceptional endurance, meticulous planning, and unwavering dedication. His impressive time of 28 days, 14 hours, and 37 minutes, overcoming extreme weather conditions and the immense challenges of the Australian outback, will undoubtedly be remembered as a monumental moment in Australian ultra-running history. The significance of his accomplishment reverberates across the ultra-running community in Australia and internationally, setting a new benchmark and inspiring a new generation of athletes.

Inspired by William Goodge's incredible achievement? Learn more about the Australian Crossing and the challenges of ultramarathons. Discover how you can push your limits and maybe even attempt your own Australian Crossing record!