Hi, my name is Oliver Antrobus and I live and work in Melbourne, Australia.

Inspired by my brother, Paul, who is part way through the Antrobus 12-in-12 - twelve daunting physical challenges in twelve months to raise $250,000 to support cancer research, I have crafted my own, down-under version, bringing together my loves of running and travelling, to suppport Paul's overall fundraising target.

The Background

Twelve years ago my sister-in-law died, aged 34, after a six month struggle with cancer. Paul made a promise to himself - and their two sons (then aged 7 and 2) - to raise some money for charity by running two back to back  marathons . His plans were derailed at the time by a serious virus, but now with cancer once again haunting our family he has revived his plans and created The Antrobus 12 in 12 Challenges against Cancer. You can read more about his plans here, which include two marathons, several ultra runs, a cross country ski race, and climbing the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, all within a twelve month period: https://www.justgiving.com/antrobus12in12/

The Challenges

My challenges take me up and down the eastern seaboard of Australia, taking in 6 half marathons and another two of Australia's iconic running events.

My first half marathon is in April, the Australian Running Festival in Canberra. Then it's a different gear for the Puffing Billy race in the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, racing the steam train up the mountain. From there I am running back to back in May, the Great Ocean Road half marathon, along Victoria's famour coastline, and Run Noosa, which is part of the Ironman and triathlon festival.

After a short break, it is up to the Hunter Valley for the Winery half marathon and on to Sydney for the City to Surf, Australia's biggest fun run - a lot has changed since last time but Heartbreak Hill hasn't. With the finishing straight in sight, itI'll be competing in the Sydney Running Festival across the iconic harbour bridge. Finally in October I am back home for the Melbourne half marathon, finishing my challenges on the MCG turf.

If you have any questions or would like to know more please let me know. In Australia, our donations are supporting the Cure Cancer Australia Foundation which champions innovative researchers in their quest to cure cancer.

Thanks for your support!

Ollie