Kirrily Dear will begin her 860-kilometre trek across regional NSW in searing 43 degree heat at Walgett today but said she will draw on the inspiration of victims of domestic violence to keep her going.
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The ultra-marathon runner came up with the White Ribbon Run as a way of raising awareness of domestic violence and highlighting the success stories of women who have overcome horrific situations.
Kirrily will start from Walgett and make her way to Tamworth, through Wee Waa, before coming back to Dubbo via Coolah and Mendooran.
Her journey will then take her to Yeoval and Parkes before finishing in Forbes.
She will cover the distance over 12 days, covering as much as 96 kilometres in a day.
The weather would be the biggest difference between her training and the actual event, according to Kirrily.
While her running will take place in dry heat, her training was done in more humid conditions.
She also faced a challenge to simulate the heat she will face out west.
"We're ready," she said.
"I've been doing heat training. I got lucky with the hot snap we had a couple of weeks ago. I spent my time between Sydney and the Hunter and we were getting temperatures of 16, 17 degrees which wasn't ideal so I was running around with a lot of extra layers on.
"Then the hot snap came and it helped my preparation. Then I was running around in 35 degree heat with thermal tops on so I am prepared for that."
Kirrily will be supported in her adventure by a support crew including fellow runners Joe Ward and Brad Smithers. They will take turns accompanying Kirrily on the road and driving one of the support vehicles.
Brad said he is looking forward to hearing the stories of people they meet along the way.
"There are a lot of amazing stories that need to be told and it will be incredible to hear those and see some of the towns on our way," he said.
Both Brad and Joe said they will do everything they can to support Kirrily.
"We have to make sure Kirrily gets to the end. We will run as much or as little as she wants us to and provide her with whatever support she needs because this is a massive challenge.
Kirrily and her team will get under way tomorrow from Walgett with a 92km journey to Burren Junction.
They will arrive in Dubbo on Saturday, November 22 and arrive in Forbes on November 25.
