The 44-year-old from Perth, took up the March On challenge to complete three sets of 96 km in one month.
March On is an initiative by Soldier On Australia that provides support services to veterans with mental health issues.
Mr Gurung’s challenge required that he cover a total distance of 288 km between 1-31 March.
Having divided the challenge into three phases, he said the last 96 km was the most difficult as he had to complete this distance in one day.
Mr Gurung finished the first-round of 96 km while at work.
He explained that as a maintenance worker on vessels, he was on the water at the time, so his only option was to use a treadmill.
Kiran Gurung. Source: Supplied
For the second phase, he was back home and ran around in the neighbourhood to complete another set of 96 km.
But for the last phase, which he had to finish in one day, he started running in the early morning (5am) on Wednesday 30 March and finished at midnight.
Kiran Gurung during March On challenge. Source: Supplied
He recalled hearing war stories from his friends who were posted in other countries.
“It was kind of boring because Singapore was pretty much safe at that time, so maybe that’s why my body itches to take up challenges now.”
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पूर्व गोर्खा सैनिकले अस्ट्रेलियाका पूर्व सेनाहरूको मानसिक स्वास्थ्यका लागी लिएको चुनौती
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02/04/202206:28
This is not the first time Mr Gurung has taken the initiative to run for a social cause. He has already run in his boots and combat dress for five different causes in the past.
From raising money for earthquake-shaken Nepal to raising awareness on different health issues like Alzheimer’s and diabetes, Mr Gurung said he has tried to fulfill expectations people might have of a former Gurkha.
Source: Supplied
“I always do extra. There is a saying that there is no one like us (Gurkhas) and my friends also say that as Gurkhas we need to do something different.”
Asked why he choose to run the 288 km, Mr Gurung said, “I didn’t have to think much to take this challenge, it was kind of automatic.”
He said that as both a Gurkha and a citizen of Australia he wanted to do his bit to help support the Australian veterans, citing that Nepalis fought and died in the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War.
Mr Gurung said looking after the mental health of veterans is vital because of the trauma they go through during their service.
He himself has seen many veterans experiencing mental health issues who were reluctant to use the services available.
“Knowing about this fundraising program might trigger them to consider taking [mental health] services, that’s my thinking.”
