The Australian premiere of the documentary about ultra-marathon runner Callan Gates will be held at the Avoca Beach Theatre on December 2.
The Blood Run documents Gates’ 250km run from Newcastle to Sydney Harbour, running along the Great North Walk and raising $50,000 along the way for the Leukaemia Foundation.
Gates’ talented brother Mitchell, a videographer, captured the entire journey.
Gates said he doubted he could do it – he’s not a professional athlete, nor does he look like one, and people said he was stupid for attempting it.
But he was determined to prove them wrong when he tested his body to its ultimate limits covering 250kms in one single go, without sleep, climbing over 10,000kms in vertical gain – virtually climbing the equivalent of Everest – all to support the 135,000 Australians living with blood cancer.
He began his ultra-marathon on June 2 from Newcastle and arrived in Circular Quay early June 5 to complete the final 200m to finish at the Obelisk in Circular Quay – a momentous and emotional moment captured by news crews.
His aim was to raise $25,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation and blood cancer patients, equating to $100 per km of the trail along the Great North Walk, but he smashed that target and raised more than $53,000.
“Looking back, it’s crazy to think of what we all achieved together those three days of the run both from a physical and fundraising perspective,” Gates said.
“The trail is 250km long and the goal was to raise $100 per kilometre for $25,000.
“We ended up raising over $50,000 which just blew my mind.
“Blood cancer, in particular leukaemia, has significantly affected my family, and I have witnessed the aftermath of it.
“To be able to do something that could create awareness and funds to be able to help find a cure for this crappy disease is something I’m proud to be part of.”
He said The Blood Run had many strong messages, one being that people should adventure for those who are robbed of it.
“There has certainly been some strong interest in the showing at Avoca Beach Theatre and we have almost sold out which is amazing,” Gates said.
Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti said the foundation was incredibly grateful for people like Gates who “go above and beyond” to raise crucial funds.
“With 135,000 people in this country currently living with the disease, community supporters like Cal and his team are vital so that the Leukaemia Foundation can continue our life-changing work and reach our goal of zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.
“Cal put his body on the line to raise awareness and funds for Australians living with blood cancer, and for that we cannot thank him enough.”
I have Cml and I thank god every day when I take the tablets that keep me alive.I pay 5.99 a month for a medication that started off at 60.000.00 a year. Hence at 70 I am still working as a community nurse to keep giving back to community. I’ll work for as long as I can. Thank you for your blood run. I am also a proud redhead having retained the colour of my hair so far.