Mark Wilson

Premmie Marathon Challenge 2026

My Progress

I've raised

$1,794

I've Moved

0KM

My Target

52KM

71 Laps of Clovelly. 71 Reasons Why.

71 laps. 46km of running. 6km of swimming. All for a cause worth moving for. On Sunday 1st November, I’ll be taking on a slightly different kind of challenge at Clovelly Beach.

The plan is simple. Run 650 metres around Clovelly, swim 85 metres across the bay, and repeat.

71 times.

That’s a total of 46.15km of running and just over 6km of swimming, with plenty of transitions in between.

It’s going to be a long day. Tired legs, cold water, a fair bit of discomfort and probably a few moments when I question whose idea this was. But there’s a much bigger reason behind it all.

Why 71 Laps?
Every day in Australia, approximately 71 babies are born prematurely.

That’s 71 babies arriving earlier than expected. 71 families facing an uncertain start. And countless hours spent in neonatal intensive care units, where specialised equipment and medical teams make an extraordinary difference.

That’s why I’m doing 71 laps. One lap for every baby born prematurely in Australia each day.

It’s a simple way to recognise the challenges these babies and their families face, while raising money to help give them the best possible start in life.

Running for Premature Babies
I’m taking on this challenge to raise funds for Running for Premature Babies, a charity that helps provide lifesaving neonatal equipment to hospitals across Australia.

For babies born too soon, access to specialist equipment and care can make all the difference. The charity works to support neonatal units with the equipment they need to care for premature and critically ill babies, helping give them a stronger start and supporting families through an incredibly challenging time.

It’s a cause that deserves more attention, more support and more funding. And that’s what this day is all about.

A Simple Challenge. A Bigger Purpose.
There’s nothing particularly complicated about the challenge. Run around Clovelly. Swim across the bay. Repeat. But 71 laps is a long way, and the repetition will be part of what makes it difficult.

The goal isn’t to set a record or chase a finishing time. It’s to turn a day of running and swimming into something that can make a difference beyond the beach.

Each lap represents another premature baby born in Australia that day, and another reminder of why we’re raising money. Hopefully, by the end of it, we’ll have done more than just cover some distance.

Come Down and Be Part of It
I’ll be starting at 6am on Sunday 1st November and will be running and swimming throughout the morning.

If you’re around Clovelly, come down, say hello, join me for a lap or just cheer me on. Most importantly, if you can spare a few dollars, please consider donating to Running for Premature Babies. Every contribution helps provide lifesaving equipment for babies who need it most.

71 laps. 71 babies. One worthwhile cause.

See you at Clovelly.

Be Better.

Every day in Australia, 71 babies are born prematurely.

This November, I'm taking on the Premmie Marathon Challenge to give these babies the best chance at life.

The funds I raise will help Running for Premature Babies provide life-saving neonatal equipment for hospitals around Australia, giving premature and critically ill babies the chance to grow stronger and go home with their families.

If you're able to support me, I'd be incredibly grateful. Every donation helps fund the equipment and research that gives premature babies a better chance of survival and quality of life.

Thank you for supporting my challenge and helping Australia's tiniest babies. 💜

My achievements

Thank you to my donors

$306.64

Sense Of Self

GO MARK!

$148.38

Wholesale Mineral Makeup

Absolutely awesome 🙌

$119.56

Andrew & Felecia Harris

$119.56

Anita Sawicki

Go Mark!!

$119.56

San Fran

You’re a legend Mark Wilson! What a great cause.

$119.56

Dimity Thompson

Can’t wait to race you at the 7th hour

$106.75

Adrian Graham

All the best mate. Smash it!

$106.75

Ryan O'donnell

Good luck Mark,

$100

Brett & Jake Lucas

Good luck

$87.31

Mariangela Angelucci

💪👏⭐️

$67.80

Anonymous

$67.80

Fiona Caffin

$67.80

Rose Kennedy

Good luck and well done, hope it’s particularly glassy on Nov 1st !

$67.80

Ilana Gertskis

$67.80

Andrew Barker

$66.33

Rebecca Bradley

Very deserving cause and one I've personally benefited from. Go Mark! 🏃‍♂️🏊‍♂️🌻

$54.75

Jenni B

Fingers 🤞 that it's like glass!

I'm running 52km to help save the lives of premature babies