In September 2017 Robbie Dolan will embark on a challenge which will see him run 3,700km from Perth to Sydney.

TOO AGGRESSIVE for football Robbie Dolan found himself thrown onto the rugby field at the age of 11 and has continued playing the sport ever since. His other passion in life is running and he has recently, with the help and support of his wife, come up with a challenge which encompasses both pastimes. 

The Longest Try is due to set off from Perth in Western Australia in early Autumn 2017 and is a running challenge which will cover nearly 3,700km and finish in Sydney, New South Wales in time for the final stages of the Rugby League World Cup, held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Robbie will attempt to carry a rugby ball across this vast continent running nearly 60km/35miles a day over 65 days, promoting the international game, health and wellbeing through sport and most importantly, raising as much money as possible for charities across the world.

Robbie’s most important support throughout the lead up to the challenge has been from his wife, Miriam, who is keen to challenge herself soon and will be running her first marathon next year.

To find out more about Robbie’s The Longest Tri visit www.thelongesttry.com and to donate to the cause click here.

How long have you been passionate about running and where did the addiction come from?

I began running around five years ago when I was becoming quite sedentary and unhappy with the way I looked. I’d slowed down with the activities I was doing and had gained weight and was in a poor frame of mind. I then began exploring the nearby countryside trails and it continued from there.

When did you run your first ultra-marathon and what have been some of the others you have competed in?

First ultra was in May 2011, the Marlborough Downs 33 Miles Challenge, one of my favourites (four times now). Running has taken me all over the country along with other parts of the world – The Causeway Coast, Sydney, North Yorkshire Moors and Dorset. To date there have been around 40 marathons and ultras completed with at least one marathon or ultra marathon a month planned. A 100-miler is on the list before the end of 2016.

Robbie has been playing rugby since he was a boy and was delighted when he found the perfect way to involve his favourite sport in his running challenge.

Tell us about your love of rugby and what you’ve accomplished in the sport?

That all began when I was 11 after my Dad realised I was too aggressive for football and rugby became the perfect outlet. I’ve played for several clubs in various towns I’ve lived in across York, Huddersfield and now Bedford.

Playing for my home city of York in its academy is a standout, we were given some good hidings by teams but some great memories. As you get older the game changes and encompasses all aspects of competitive sport – skill, power, endurance and respect. You can throw a good bunch of mates in with that too. It’s been the best way to meet people and keep a good social life going.

When did you come up with the idea for the Longest Try and could you tell us more about the challenge?

Both of my brothers live in Sydney so the Australian connection has been there for a few years.

In 2012, I just wanted to trek across the place, perhaps a combination of cycling, walking and running, researching what records could be broken or set. Could Australia become a rugby field and the largest game of rugby be played? So carrying a rugby ball across the country during the Rugby League World Cup seemed a pretty good start. The more thought that’s gone into it including input from friends and family the more it’s evolved into a unique challenge. It’s also a great way to stick it to the Aussies.

Robbie has competed in ultra marathons around the world and will run in his first 100-miler at the end of this year.

Will you be raising awareness and money for any charities and if so which ones?

We’re raising money for two small charities: The Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity in the UK and Live to Give Projects in Australia, both of which support children and their families across their respective countries. We’re hoping this will create partnerships across different sports and local clubs to benefit from local knowledge.

What are your biggest worries about the run and what are you most looking forward to?

Logistics and cost are our biggest worries, so meticulous planning of the route and finding sponsorship is key for this to happen, if we had the money we’d be doing this without question but the fact is we just don’t have what’s required.

Depending on the final route set out there’s some dramatic landscapes across Australia; the Nullarbor Plain looks daunting and barrier ranges in New South Wales could provide a well-deserved climb towards the latter end of the challenge. We’re hoping to visit schools and communities in partnership with the World Cup organisation, we’ve just asked for carte blanche visits to vineyards.

How important has your partner, Miriam, been in supporting the challenge and helping you get everything organised?

Miriam’s been my support for everything anyway so it’s been a straight yes since I put the idea forward to her. She’s due to complete a sports massage course next month and looking at different fundraising and sponsorship ideas and currently training with our strength and conditioning coach to run her first marathon next year.

Where can we find out more about The Longest Try and what are the best ways readers can help support the cause?

Visit www.thelongesttry.com, there’ll be more information, ways to donate and contacts if you wish to get involved. We’re working on a calendar of events during the next year, locally and around the country, most updates are on Twitter @thelongesttry.