the team
Meet the team of elite athletes who all jumped at the chance to be part of such an incredible challenge.
All amazing, all slightly crazy, all driven by the same desire to challenge themselves, prove what is possible and get behind something much bigger than themselves in the conversation around domestic violence.
hayden sumner
Ideas man and reason we are all here List of hard things done so far:
785km last September for Beyond DV and multiple ultra marathons
Go to meal post run: Oak choccy milk
Best running partner: Olive
Hidden talent: Killing flys
Hayden’s why: Connecting with and understanding my mum. While healing myself and trying to help others.
Connect: @hydnsmnr
Jamie Hunter
Team Captain and expert in the field List of hard things done so far:
Everesting: Ran up and down the side of a mountain in Brisbane until reaching the height of Mt Everest (8,848m), raising money for mental health. Ran around my suburban streets for 24hours during covid because I was bored of lockdowns and hit 204km. Back to back winner of the Aussie Titles - 24 hour Enduro True Grit obstacle course race in Sydney 2021/2022. Multiple ultra trail and road racing finishers
Go to meal: Homemade berry banana protein smoothie
Day Job: Owner and Head Coach, Run Vault
Hidden talent: make a raw peanut and cashew caramel slice
Jamie’s why: Team: Supporting a mate and charity for a good cause. Personally: I love being uncomfortable doing hard things
Connect: @run_hunter_
katie brock
The strongest woman we all knowList of hard things done so far:
Red Bull race to the Sun, Elite CrossFit and hyrox athlete.
Go to meal post run: A block of chocolate
Day job: Accountant
Hidden talent: Riding a motorbike and backing a trailer
Katie’s why: To see what I am capable of and to stand for all women who think that they can’t.
Connect: @itsmekatiebrock
Jordan Nuks
The immediate yes manList of Hard things:
Guzzler 105km 2025 (1st), Brisbane Trail Ultra 110km 2023 (1st), King of the Hill 2025 – 51 hours – 215kms / 15,000 metres elevation, Gold Coast BYU 2026, 35 Hours (1st), Down Under 135 2025 (DNF)
Go to post run meal: NZ treats
Day job: Currently exploring the mountains
Hidden talent: Making hard things look easy
Jordan’s why: DV is not something that has impacted me directly but growing up in New Zealand it impacted others around me and I just didn’t understand it at the time. Knowing it impacted Hayden directly and how much it means to him I can’t wait to be apart of it.
My why is through endurance. Through endurance sports I’m able to learn more about myself and to test limits to see what I am capable of.
Connect: @jordan_nuks_ultr
Gary Lloyd
The big yes man List of hard things:
Several 100km+ ultras, 2:54 marathon, and the previous 24 hour pull up world record holder.
Go to meal post run: Homemade coffee and banana smoothie
Hidden talent: Can name any shoe by the imprint left on the sand at the beach
Gary’s why: Support my mate and find out more about the person that comes out when things get hard.
Connect: @martinn_ryan
Sam Ridgard
Can run faster than most even in a beer canList of hard things done so far:
London Marathon: 2:35:00 (378th Mass finisher, 2026). Gold Coast Marathon: World’s fastest beer can representing Better Beer 2:54:45 (2026) // Noosa Half Marathon 1:13:56 (10th place, 3rd age group, 2025) // [More than a run (60km, 2024) raising $1250, (42km, 2025) // Worked with Beyond Blue to raise money & awareness for Mental Health
Go to meal: Rice pudding is an absolute must anytime of the day.
Day Job: Senior Supervisor, Disability support worker
Hidden talent: I can outrun penguins
Sam’s why: This is an incredible opportunity to challenge myself while supporting a cause that really matters. I’m still learning about the impact of domestic violence, but it’s something that has affected people close to me, including my mum and my fiancée. That has made me want to better understand the issue and do what I can to help.
I know this journey isn’t about one person. It’s about working together, backing each other up, and making a positive difference. I can’t wait to be apart of this amazing journey, learn from the experience, and support the team every step of the way.
Connect: @sjridgard