They ran, they paddled, they rowed and rode — you could even shuffle, so long as you kept moving.
That was the only rule as more than 180 Bull Sharks pushed themselves through 3000km for Bond University’s Movember 24 Hour Moveathon.
Under floodlights and blazing sun, Bondies chewed through the kilometres in a relentless 24-hour sweat-soaked show of support for men’s mental health.
Triathlons and ultramarathons were conquered. Some collapsed at the finish, others dashed straight off to teach a class – they all raised money and awareness for a cause close to their hearts.
Bachelor of Commerce student Francene Marqueses’ remarkable 100km stint over the 24 hours was the longest run she has ever completed.
She said the decision to go big was a last minute one.
“I really only decided to challenge myself to the 100km last week. I’m the treasurer of the Bond Movember committee so I wanted to get involved in some way,” Marqueses said.
Marqueses who got into running a few years ago ran the Gold Coast and Sydney marathons earlier this year.
“I like to run a lot, I took up running a couple of years ago just to stay fit and fell in love with the distance.
“I knew my body could get to at least 70km, but it was all mental strength from then on, especially with the heat.”
For Marqueses exercise is closely tied to her mental health.
“I genuinely use running for my mental health, when I have a big week with university and work, I go out on a Saturday morning and run like 25km,” Marqueses said.
“Some people say why would you do that? I always feel great after a run, it’s important for my mental health.
“I feel lucky to be able to do this and support Movemeber, which is an important cause to me.
“I did the first 60km without my headphones was a bit tough, but I just kept telling myself step by step you're going to get there.”
Bond University Assistant Professor, Jane Hunt also went the distance, running 80 loops around the Bond ring road for 22 hours straight, completing a mammoth 150km, before dashing up to the classroom to teach her forum later that afternoon.
“My primary purpose was to start conversations and help to make a difference. All time and distance goals were secondary to that,” Hunt said.
“My hope was that by setting out to do something like the 24 hours it might trigger some conversations.
“The great part is that it did, I had a lot of friends and acquaintances reach out and share stories, or just thank me for recognising that men often struggle in silence.”
Bond’s Movember president, Finn Anderson backed up with another immense effort this year after running 112km last year.
Anderson ran 20km, swam 10km and cycled 47km.
“The swimming was definitely the hardest leg,” Anderson said.
“I’ve lost a couple of close mates, that’s why Movember is so important to me. I just want to see men stop dying earlier from preventable issues.”
You can donate to Bond's Movember campaign, here.