By his own admission, ex-military man Rodney Cottam found it “gruelling” to run from Coffs Harbour to Sydney in 106 hours but he reached the finish line last week.
Rodney Cottam (Left), Michael Hartung OAM, CEO, Invictus Australia (Centre), General Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, CVO, MC (retd), patron general, Invictus Australia (Right)
Friedrich Nietzsche observed that “all truly great thoughts are conceived while walking”, while Henry Thoreau declared that “methinks the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow”.
While Mr Cottam – non-bank lender Resimac’s regional sales manager for NSW, ACT, and Queensland – has echoed these sentiments about how trail runs give him a runner’s high, he has turned this hobby into an extreme sport.
Indeed, over 106 hours between 3-7 July 2023, Mr Cottam ran around 500 kilometres under the moniker of Run Rocket Run from Coffs Harbour to the ANZAC Memorial in Sydney.
Momentum Markets was proud to partner with him, along with Resimac under its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) campaign, and others.
Mr Cottam was determined to complete this challenge with the hope of raising $100,000 to support veteran charity Invictus Australia (which Momentum Markets also supports) and awareness of their endeavours to support the wellbeing of veterans and their families.
He felt compelled to support the charity following a motorbike accident when he was in the 3rd Battalion (Royal Australian Regiment), which left him paralysed in his left arm as a result of spinal nerve damage, along with a long-term prognosis called brachial plexus palsy.
Invictus Australia is more than just the games
Speaking to Momentum Media’s mortgages brand The Adviser after completing his challenge, Mr Cottam said raising awareness of Invictus Australia and the work they do for the veteran community is vital.
“These sorts of organisations did not exist when I got out of the military,” he said.
“Everyone thinks of the Invictus Games but that’s a small part of what Invictus Australia is all about. Our veterans and their families really need the support that they offer through sport and community work.”
While Mr Cottam has always been a passionate runner, he began participating in long distance challenges (including his 350-kilometre run to Mount Kosciuszko last year) after his accident to build resilience, and promote mental, physical, and psychological wellbeing.
Mr Cottam used one word to describe his latest run: “Gruelling!
“I put a bit more pressure on myself this time. I had made commitments to a lot of people but the biggest commitment was to myself.
“I think I was a lot harder on myself this time and that took a bigger emotional toll on me than it did last time.”
This could partly be attributed to sleep deprivation as Mr Cottam slept in smaller blocks, and had less recovery time.
Whereas he slept in motels during his previous challenge, it was not the case this time because there was no certainty about where he would finish every night.
“This had a flow-on effect on my body not coping as well,” Mr Cottam said.
“The longest block [I slept] would have been the last night, with four hours of sleep. Other than that, we were talking 25-to-30-minute blocks of sleep. We were trying to run for three hours at a time.”
On top of this, Mr Cottam had to cover longer distances each day compared to last year.
“Even though it might have been only 30 to 40 kilometres per day, that adds a lot of stress to the body. [This] has a flow-on effect throughout the course of the week,” he said.
“We definitely prepared more for it but this time, doing 100 kilometres per day took its toll on my entire body, and especially legs. They really suffered.”
However, Mr Cottam reached the finish line by focusing on his purpose, and leaning on his crew who offered unwavering support.
Accompanying him was his fiancé, a friend, and two additional members who helped him with pacing.
Fans greet him at the finish line
Mr Cottam was received with whistles, cheers, and applause by Momentum Markets, Resimac, Invictus Australia and others when he emerged at the ANZAC Memorial.
Commenting on Mr Cottam’s achievements, Momentum Markets’ director Alex Whitlock said: “It’s hard to put into words what my thoughts are… I did a 100-kilometre race many years ago, and it destroyed me. It was a 24-hour race. Taking on that five-fold in a very short space of time is just mind-blowing.
“[Rodney] is a truly courageous man but he’s also somebody who is willing to take on challenges that are unknown. I think there’s a very strong message for everybody about being prepared to take things on rather than staying within your comfort zone.”
‘Poster boy’ for Resimac
Resimac’s Chris Paterson, general manager, distribution, said that while he pondered whether it was wise to undertake this challenge, Mr Cottam was determined to complete it by pushing his mind and body.
“He’s built on resilience and it’s a reflection of his character,” Mr Paterson said.
“He’s really helped Resimac and demonstrated it first-hand and showed it by his actions. Resimac is doing what it can to support him.
“He’s absolutely the new poster boy for Resimac.”
Invictus Australia CEO Michael Hartung said Mr Cottam personified the “unconquerable human spirit”, and his efforts are raising much-needed funds to support the charity organisation’s rollout of community sport programs nationally.
He added that he has only witnessed this level of effort from elite athletes.
“There’s only one way you can do it, and that’s through the power of the mind,” he said.
“The body would be aching. I’m sure his legs are in a lot of pain. But it’s the mind that’s getting him through it. I think the resilience that he’s shown is simply remarkable.”
Also present at the finish line was former governor-general of Australia and patron general at Invictus Australia General Sir Peter Cosgrove, who congratulated Mr Cottam and praised him for his resilience, courage, and “zest for life”.
“It not only gets funds but it directs attention towards this wonderful project, this wonderful movement to empower veterans through the agency of sport,” Sir Peter said.
“What a great Australian thing to do. Our hearts go out to these veterans and we all love sport. The thought that through physical endeavour, they can reconnect, network, and get that satisfaction that we believe they deserve I think is a wonderful therapeutic thing and enjoyable for all of the veterans who get involved.”
You can donate to Run Rocket Run’s fundraiser for Invictus Australia by clicking here.