30 marathons in 30 days: Emma’s mission to support Cancer Council

This September, Emma Smith is running a marathon every day for 30 days, inspired by her mother, sister and brother, who have all experienced a cancer diagnosis, and in memory of her close friend, Todd, who died from cancer in 2022.

Seeing what Todd’s family went through, all while her own sister was undergoing treatment, sparked the idea for the Month of Marathons.

“You just feel so helpless because all you can do is be there for them,” Emma told the Mudgee Guardian.

“I needed to do something and I thought maybe a big run… then it evolved into Month of Marathons”.

The Mudgee local has set an ambitious goal where she will cover a distance of 1,266 kilometres in 30 days, all to raise money for Cancer Council’s life-saving cancer research, prevention and support programs.

It is estimated that more than 169,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in Australia this year. Almost one in two Australians will receive a cancer diagnosis by age 85. Emma knows all too well that cancer affects not only the person diagnosed, but also their families, friends, carers and communities.

“I’ve seen first-hand what cancer does, not just to the person diagnosed, but to everyone who loves them. If this challenge encourages someone to get checked, starts an important conversation or helps fund support for another family, every kilometre will be worth it,” said Emma.

Going the extra mile for her loved ones

The marathons are being held in Mudgee, with Emma running 42.2 kilometres day after day during the month. Although it will be physically grueling, she believes the challenge is about much more than just running. With each step, she will think of her loved ones who have been directly impacted by cancer.

“I know there will be moments when my body is telling me to stop,” Emma says. “In those moments, I’ll think about the people going through treatment, the families sitting beside hospital beds and the people we’ve lost. That’s why I’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other.”

About the Month of Marathons

Through her Month of Marathons challenge, Emma is running the length of a marathon every day around Glen Willow (a sports stadium in Mudgee). She will run the five km course eight times then finish it by running the remaining 2.2km.

Emma  spent three years training for the challenge, beginning with five and 10 kilometre runs before adding longer distance running, personal training, pilates and strength work into her fitness regime.

Throughout her training, Emma experienced two stress fractures but remained determined to see the challenge through.

“I’ve just got to remind myself what it’s for and keep pushing through,” Emma told the Mudgee Guardian.

Currently, Emma has raised more than $15k of her $50k goal for Cancer Council NSW and she is sharing daily updates, video diaries, live check-ins and behind-the-scenes moments documenting her mammoth efforts. As Emma takes on her Month of Marathons challenge, she’s hoping others will follow her progress and support Cancer Council.

You can donate to Emma’s fundraiser here.

Learn more about Do It For Cancer here.