Pat Farmer A.M.
Ultra-Marathon Runner & Former Member of Parliament
Pat was awarded the A.M. for services to the nation, charitable works and ultramarathon running. Through events such as this, he has raised millions of dollars for charities such as the International Red Cross/ Red Crescent. Pat spent 9 years as a federal politician between 2001- 2010. He has been running across countries and continents for the past 40 years and feels that he still has so much more to give to humanity and the furthering of Australia.
About Pat
Pat has raised millions of dollars for causes during his more than 30-year running career including Lifeline, Cancer Council, The Red Cross, Diabetes Australia and the Nanhi Kali foundation for the education of India's girl child.
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Pat has been awarded the high honour of the Order of Australia, AM for his contribution to ultra marathon running, the nation and charitable works. He was winner of “Achiever of the Year” (2000), awarded by Prime Minister, John Howard and National Geographic's Adventurer of the Year in 2012.
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Pat served 8 years as a Member of Australia’s Parliament, with 3 years as Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Science and Training
Previous Runs
1999
Run: Centenary of Federation
Location: Australia
Distance: 14,662km
In 1999 Pat established the fastest around-Australia record of continuous running in 191 days and 10 minutes over the 14,662.4km. Celebrating the Centenary of Federation, this unprecedented run broke countless records including a new 10,000km record and the longest ever run through the tropics.
2011-2012
Run: Pole to Pole
Location: Americas
Distance: over 20,000km
Between 2011 and 2012, Pat ran from the North Pole to the South Pole, over 20,000km through Canada, America, Central America and South America. Taking 10 months and 13 days, Pat ran every day, averaging 80km a day.
2012-2013
Run: Friendship Agreement
Location: Vietnam
Distance: 32,000km
Between 2012 and 2013, in celebration of the 40 years of friendship agreement between Australia and Vietnam, Pat crossed the length of the Vietnam, a distance of 3200km.
2014
Run: Peace Run
Location: Middle East
Distance: 1450km
Pat ran 1450km through Lebanon, Jordan, Israel and Palestine to unite the Middle East and spread the message of peace and comradery in 2014.
2016
Run: Spirit of India Run
Location: India
Distance: 4417km
In 2016, Pat crossed the length of India; 4417km in 65 days in his Spirit of India run from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. Raising awareness to the beauty of India and much needed funds for the education of young Indian Women.
