The Bloody Long Walk returns on 2 August, raising funds to help cure mitochondrial disease
Run by the Mito Foundation, the Bloody Long Walk is an annual 35km trek along the Northern Beaches coastline from Palm Beach to Manly.
The Mito Foundation offers support for families living with and impacted by mitochondrial disease (mito). Founded by Mona Vale couple Doug and Margie Lingard, who lost two children to mito, the foundation offers support services including a helpline, funds essential research and provides educational resources.
Jane Hudson has organised the event for 10 years and was drawn to the not-for-profit foundation as it ‘felt quite important.’
In the walk’s first year when the Mito Foundation was still relatively new, 350 walkers took part with $95,000 raised.
“It was a small event, but quite meaningful,” says Jane.
One of the foundation’s core achievements was driving the change of a law in 2021, called Maeve’s Law. The change legalised mitochondrial donation, an IVF-based technique which works to prevent fatal versions of mito from being inherited.
“It all kind of comes back to the Mito Foundation for the sole purpose of supporting the Mito community in Australia,” notes Jane.
Jane says that, while some participants have a personal connection to the cause, many walkers like the ‘personal challenge’ of the 35km walk.
“We really pride ourselves on being a challenge rather than a race,” says Jane.
“For a lot of people, 35km is a huge challenge and therefore a huge achievement. It’s a really celebratory, happy atmosphere. It’s incredibly supportive.”
Last year, nearly 1,900 people registered for the Sydney North event and $342,000 was raised. Jane says the fundraising goal for this year’s event is similar, with organisers hoping to raise over $300,000.
Along the walk, there are frequent checkpoints with water, fruit, medical staff, toilets and volunteers cheering participants on. “And then there’s always a bit of a party atmosphere at the finish line,” says Jane, with plenty of spectators and a volunteer ‘Woo Crew’ providing the final push to get walkers across the finish line.
There are many ways to get involved in the Bloody Long Walk besides participating in the walk itself. You can donate to individual walkers or donate directly to the Mito Foundation through the Bloody Long Walk website.
Volunteers are also encouraged and are ‘really important for us,’ with sign-ups closing approximately one week prior to the event. Volunteer sign-ups can be made through the website, under the Sydney North section.
THE BLOODY LONG WALK
Sunday 2 August, starting from 6.30am
Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach;
ends at Manly Promenade