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After having run 350 kilometres over five days last year, former 3RAR serviceman Rodney “Rocket” Cottam sets himself the challenge of running 500 kilometres in 106 hours.
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This story was updated on 16 June to reflect that Rodney's 2022 run was 350km, not 350,00km as originally stated. That would be a long run, even for Rodney!
Rodney Cottam, former member of 3RAR turned sales manager at non-bank lender Resimac, has announced that he will be undertaking another gruelling trail run challenge, covering 500 kilometres in just 106 hours to raise funds for veteran charity Invictus Australia.
As well as raising funds to support the wellbeing of veterans, Cottam is also promoting physical, mental, and emotional resilience through running, under his moniker, Run Rocket Run.
The 500-kilometre run is the second long-distance challenge Cottam has set himself, after having covered 350 kilometres in five days last year, raising more than $41,000 for Invictus Australia.
This year, he will run from Coffs Harbour to Sydney from 3–7 July, averaging 100 kilometres per day.
Cottam — who is paralysed in his left arm as a result of spinal nerve damage from a motorbike accident — says he is pushing himself to run further and quicker this year. He has also more than doubled his fundraising target, aiming to raise $100,000.
“Competing in these races helps me spread the word about what Run Rocket Run and Invictus Australia do throughout the running community,” he told Momentum Media, who is a partner of Run Rocket Run.
The second goal, he added, is to test his resilience by pushing his boundaries.
“I really enjoy pushing myself. When I push myself beyond my limits and know that I can do it, it really excites me and reminds me we are all capable of so much more than our mind tells us,” he said.
“I want to remind people we all have deep inner reserves of resilience, to push us through challenging stages of life.”
To prepare, Cottam has already participated in several trail runs as part of his training — including in the Australian Alpine Ascent Trail Run, Noosa Ultra-Trail, and The Jabulani Challenge — with each race covering distances of between 45–100 kilometres.
Join Rodney Cottam and Sir Peter Cosgrove at the finish line
He will be officially welcomed at the finish line by Invictus Australia patron general and former governor-general, the Hon Sir Peter Cosgrove (Ret’d), at 3pm on 7 July.
“The support and encouragement from the community has been overwhelming during my preparation,” he said.
“I would like to extend a heartfelt invitation to everyone to join me at the finish line. Your presence would mean the world to me as I complete this journey and your presence will inspire and motivate me to cross that finish line, but it will also demonstrate your solidarity with the cause.”
Invictus Australia chief executive officer Michael Hartung commented: “On behalf of Invictus Australia, I would like to extend our deepest thanks to Rodney for his selfless efforts. His support will make a significant impact in the lives of our veterans and their families, providing them with the opportunity to regain their confidence and reclaim their lives through sport.
“Rodney is someone who has overcome his own challenges in life post his service in the Australian Defence Force and the incredible endurance challenge he is embarking on serves as a powerful reminder of the strength within all of us.
“We are honoured to have him as an advocate for Invictus Australia.”
Hartung also encouraged people to support Cottam at the finish line at 3pm on 7 July, stating: “Your presence and support will help us continue our important work in supporting our veterans on their journey to recovery and rehabilitation.
“Thank you, Rodney, for your incredible dedication, and thank you to everyone who is supporting Rodney and Invictus Australia. Together, we are making a difference, one step at a time,” he said.
Cottam will continue to participate in races after his major challenge this year, in Sydney, Orange, and the Snowy Mountains.
For more information about Run Rocket Run and to donate to Invictus, click here.
You can hear more from Rodney Cottam on his running challenge in the Wellness Daily podcast, produced in partnership with Run Rocket Run, here:
