‘Forest Goat’ Jake Malby as photographed by Paul Harris who will be displaying an exhibition of runners’ portraits at the ASICS Sport & Leisure Expo at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 4 – 6 July.
Picture: Paul Harris
Jake Malby, 26, of Palm Beach, will be running in the Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday 7 July in preparation for completing a marathon every day in August while raising money for mental illness campaigners LIVIN.
Having experienced first-hand the struggles of depression and being close to someone who once attempted suicide, Jake has an ignited sense of activism.
Suffering from depression since the age of 16, Jake, nicknamed Forest Goat, reached a turning point when he started running with his brother Ben, an ultra-marathoner. With Ben’s help, he discovered the best running techniques, a healthier diet and a new way to deal with his illness.
“Six months after my first marathon, I no longer needed the medication that I had been on for several years.
“If anyone is in a bad place, I hope they find their own escape,” he said.
Jake has already raised over $2,000 for LIVIN and is determined to reach his goal of $5,000 by the end of August.
Photo: Paul Harris
He intends to promote his 31 marathons on his social media platforms so that members of the public can keep him company during his quest.
To donate to Jake’s cause, visit : https://give.everydayhero.com/au/31-marathons-in-31-days and you can follow his progress at www.instagram.com/forest.goat
The 41st edition of the Gold Coast Marathon will be held on 6-7 July 2019.
It will feature eight races including the Gold Coast Marathon (IAAF Gold Label Road Race), Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Gold Coast Airport Fun Run, Garmin 4km Junior Dash and Garmin 2km Junior Dash.
The Gold Coast Marathon is organised by Events Management Queensland, a major event management company wholly owned by the Queensland Government as part of Tourism and Events Queensland.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or Mensline Australia on 1300 789 978.
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