There’s only 78 steps on the concrete staircase leading down to Merewether Baths, but if run continously for 12 hours it can add up to more than 50,000.
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For many that seems impossible, but it’s exactly what Novocastrian athlete Lyndsay Walker has planned.
The Charlestown local is looking to take on the challenge as part of his charity drive, and has been training every day for the gruelling day ahead.
“I’ve always been fit and healthy having been a professional athlete in the past, and have always tried to help out charities,” Walker said. “I think this is a really good way to combine the two.”
“Most mornings I’m out there hard at training as I’m really committed and pretty determined to complete the 50,000 steps within the 12 hours.”
The former cricket player has been training daily for the challenge in December, and is hoping to raise more than $4,000 for the Soldier On non-for-profit organisation.
Walker revealed that he selected the organisation due to their support for returning service personnel and their reintegration into society following active duty.
“I know to an extent what it is like [to reintegrate] and how hard it can be for some, as I found it quite difficult going from professional sport back into a normal life,” he said.
Most recently Walker recorded a 25,000 step session in just four and a half hours, and has admitted that he’s confident he can complete the challenge before the time is up.
He stated that “only short Vaseline breaks, with food and water” would interrupt his “step-a-thon”.
There is also an online page that is available to donate to Walker’s cause, which has already seen nearly $600 raised.
If you are interested in donating, head online to soldieron.giveeasy.org/campaigns/walking-merewether- stairs.
Walker’s 12 hour challenge is slated to begin from 5.30am on Saturday, December 2.