June 1, 2025
If you think simply running a Half Marathon is hard, let us introduce you to Jade Child.
The Launceston based 36-year-old is taking to the streets of Launceston on June 12, pushing a wheelbarrow as he runs the Think Big Half Marathon in the McGrath Launceston Running Festival.
The tradie set himself the challenge after learning about the North Queensland event, the Great Wheelbarrow Race, where he would be pushing an empty wheelbarrow 140km from Mareeba to Chillagoe. Unable to make the event this year, he has settled for the Half Marathon in his hometown.
Having run half marathons and full marathons previously, but only ever running 5km distances with his wheelbarrow, Jade has set himself a hefty goal, saying it will challenge him massively.
“Now that I’ve committed to this race, I’ll certainly be doing more wheelbarrow training but I naturally stay fit from my job and football.”
“You really feel the lower back and shoulders first when running with the wheelbarrow from holding it up. I thought it might have been the legs,” Child’s said.
A cause near and dear to his heart, Jade has set himself this challenge to raise awareness and funds for the Tasmanian charity, Loaves and Fishes. The Devonport-based charity rescues surplus food from landfill and makes ready-to-eat and school meals, delivering them state-wide to Tassie locals doing it tough.
Additionally, Jade is challenging himself to a three-minute cold water swim or shower every day in June.
The challenger aims to crack under 2 hours for the wheelbarrow Half Marathon, hoping for a time around 105-110 minutes.
Look out for Jade and his “barra” on Sunday, June 12 at the McGrath Launceston Running Festival.
If you would like to learn more about Jade and his challenge, or to donate, visit https://loavesandfishestasmania.org.au/profiles/jade-child-30-days-of-cold-swims-half-marathon-with-a-barrow.