Johan Botha — Heysen Trail Run (11 Days in May)

Johan Botha — Heysen Trail Run (11 Days in May)

OVERVIEW

In May 2026, Johan Botha will take on one of Australia’s most iconic and demanding trails, the Heysen Trail, in a bold attempt to complete it in record time.

Spanning approximately 1,200km across South Australia, the run will push through rugged coastlines, remote bushland, and relentless terrain over 11 consecutive days.

This challenge is more than a physical feat.

It is part of the 11 Days in May campaign, raising awareness and funds for TIACS, a free mental health counselling service supporting Australia’s blue-collar community.

THE CHALLENGE

• What: Fastest Known Time attempt of the Heysen Trail
• Distance: Approximately 1,200km
• Duration: 11 days (May 21 to May 31, 2026)
• Daily Target: 100 to 120km per day
• Terrain: Coastal cliffs, bush tracks, technical trail, and remote sections
• Conditions: Limited sleep, unpredictable weather, and cumulative fatigue

This is our challenge. An extreme endurance effort requiring physical resilience, mental toughness, adaptability, and teamwork.

But it is also part of something bigger.

Through the 11 Days in May campaign, we are asking the wider community to take on a challenge of their own across the same 11 days. It does not have to look like this. It can be physical, mental, or something personal that pushes you outside your comfort zone.

It could be committing to daily movement, having a conversation you have been putting off, giving up something that is holding you back, or simply checking in on a mate.

While we take on the Heysen Trail, we are inviting others to stand alongside us by taking action in their own lives.

Because real impact comes when people move together.

THE PURPOSE

This run is part of the 11 Days in May campaign, aimed at:

• Raising awareness around mental health in the blue-collar community
• Encouraging mate-ship and conversation
• Driving fundraising support for TIACS

TIACS provides free, confidential counselling via phone and text, removing barriers that often prevent tradies, truckies, farmers, and other blue-collar workers from accessing support.

The campaign message is simple
Start the conversation. Look after your mates.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Mental health challenges are common across Australia, particularly in industries where long hours, physical demands, isolation, and financial pressure are part of everyday life.

TIACS exists to make support accessible by offering free sessions with professional counsellors via call or text.

This run uses endurance sport as a platform to:

• Break stigma
• Reach people who might not otherwise seek help
• Show that it is okay to speak up

THE ATHLETE

Johan Botha

Johan Botha is a former international cricketer turned ultra-endurance athlete, whose career has been built on high performance, leadership, and long term commitment to growth.

Across more than two decades in professional sport, Johan competed at the highest level, representing South Africa 123 times across Test, One Day International, and T20 formats. He also captained the national side in both ODI and T20 cricket.

His career took him across the world through major competitions in India, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and Australia, shaping his ability to perform under pressure.

Following his playing career, Johan transitioned into elite coaching and now serves as Head Coach of the Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat.

His competitive drive has carried into ultra-endurance running. What began as simple training runs has evolved into a serious pursuit of endurance challenges.

Johan has represented Australia in the Backyard Ultra World Team Championships, contributing to a second place global finish, and has won events such as No Time To Die Backyard Ultra, covering close to 400km.

He has also demonstrated extraordinary consistency through large scale endurance projects, including running the equivalent distance across entire continents over multiple years.

At the core of Johan’s journey is purpose. He is committed to using endurance sport as a platform for positive impact. Through initiatives such as Cycle for Charity, he has helped raise over 60,000 dollars for causes including childhood cancer, education, and support for underprivileged communities.

Johan brings leadership, discipline, and a strong sense of service to every challenge he takes on.

This is not just a run.

It is a story about pushing limits over 11 relentless days, navigating fatigue, setbacks, and uncertainty, and leaning on each other when things get tough.

It reflects the reality faced by many Australians who continue to show up every day despite challenges that are often unseen.

It shows that even in the hardest moments, you do not have to go through it alone.