EAGLEBY-raised runner Rob Bounds is more than halfway through an extraordinary challenge to run 50 ultra-marathons in 50 days across Brisbane.
The 40-year-old has run 50km each day since 1 March, battling rain, wind and even Cyclone Alfred, which failed to slow him down.
Known on social media as the Carnivore Runner, Mr Bounds’ goal is to raise over $2 million for the homelessness charity We Are Mobilise.
“I’m 33 days in now, over 1600km run, and I’m feeling stronger than ever,” Mr Bounds said.
“I had a few niggles in the first 10 days – knees, hamstrings, toes – but after that, my recovery has been incredible.
“Just two days ago, I finished a 50km run with the last 20km at four minutes and 35 seconds per kilometre.”
Mr Bounds said he attributes his rapid recovery in part to his strict carnivore diet, which he’s been testing throughout the challenge.
“I’m not a doctor, and even if I was, I’d say don’t just listen to me – test it for yourself,” he said.
“But for me, the results speak for themselves.”
While the physical feat is a headline grabber, it’s the mission behind the run that drives him.
Bringing attention and financial support to Queensland’s growing homelessness crisis.
“We live in the city now and it’s everywhere – tents, people sleeping in cars, park benches. I used to be one of those people who looked the other way,” he said.
“But over these 33 days, I’ve stopped and spoken to around 50 people sleeping rough, and they’ve all been lovely, approachable people. Homelessness doesn’t discriminate, it affects people from all walks of life.”
Mr Bounds said many of those he has met are employed or in between jobs, unable to afford Brisbane’s rising rental costs.
“My partner and I both work, and our rent is $700 a week. There’s not much left at the end of the day,” he said.
“Now imagine you’re on your own, trying to find a rental, if one’s even available.”
The challenge was inspired in part by Australian ultra-runner Ned Brockman, who ran across the country in 2022 and raised $2.2 million for homelessness.
Mr Bounds hopes Queensland can match that effort.
“So far we’ve raised around $5,000, and while I’m proud of that, I know we can do more,” he said.
“This isn’t about me – it’s about Queensland stepping up. I just set up the platform.”
Each day, Mr Bounds begins his run from Run Vault across from The Gabba at 4am, with supporters encouraged to join for any part of the distance.
“I’ve had old mates from Mackay join me, local running groups like Pat Carroll’s crew have shared the journey and donated. It’s the community that’s kept me going,” he said.
Mr Bounds said while he’s looking forward to finishing the 2,500km feat, he’s already thinking about what’s next.
“If I’ve got to run across Australia to hit that $2.2 million, then that’s what I’ll do.”
Donations can be made through the Carnivore Runner’s social media pages.
