What might possess somebody to stroll eight marathons in eight years? A (actually) good trigger.
Seems, that’s precisely what the Blue Dragon Marathon Stroll is. We sat down with Intrepid’s co-founder, Darrell Wade, to get the within scoop on the occasion and discover out why he’s walked greater than 250 km for it through the years.
As Intrepid’s co-founder, it’s no secret that Darrell is a big-time advocate for giving again. In any case, he and Geoff ‘Manch’ Manchester, based the corporate on the proviso that they’d be exhibiting travellers a brand new approach of seeing the world and supporting the folks and locations they visited whereas they had been at it. In actual fact, Darrell and Manch had been giving to native charities earlier than the corporate was even turning a revenue.
However our co-founder has actually put his cash the place his mouth is (or ought to that be toes?) for the Blue Dragon Marathon Stroll. He’s single-handedly (single-footedly?) raised nearly AUD 30,000 for the Blue Dragon Youngsters’s Basis by pulling on his strolling sneakers and popping on his fundraising hat for the marathon.
Learn extra: From shoe shiner on the streets of Hanoi to co-CEO of the organisation that modified all the pieces
The Blue Dragon Marathon Stroll – 14 September 2025
The Blue Dragon Marathon Stroll is an annual occasion supported by Intrepid’s non-profit, the Intrepid Basis. With no sign-up charges or geographical limits, the stroll attracts a whole lot of individuals around the globe annually to tackle the marathon (or any distance that challenges them) to boost cash for Intrepid Basis associate, Blue Dragon Youngsters’s Basis. Intrepid covers the admin prices so all donations go on to serving to them finish human trafficking, take care of survivors and their households and assist communities most in danger in Vietnam.
Darrell, you’ve walked a marathon yearly for the previous 5 years – that’s a fairly spectacular feat. What makes you so keen about this trigger?
I’ve seen the work of Blue Dragon Youngsters’s Basis on the bottom in Hanoi and the extra I’ve to do with the organisation, the extra impressed I develop into. They’ve grown through the years and so has their influence – they get actual outcomes and actually do change the lives of human trafficking survivors and their households.
What makes the Blue Dragon Marathon Stroll so essential?
At a easy stage, the {dollars} raised are important for the continued work of the organisation. If we don’t stroll and lift funds then their work is curtailed – easy as that. The factor I like about elevating funds for Blue Dragon is the sheer influence you’ll be able to have. Rescuing somebody from human trafficking conditions takes about AUD 500. It’s not typically you can also make a extremely dramatic constructive influence on somebody’s life, however I really feel by strolling this marathon and elevating some cash we will just do that.
Are you able to inform me extra concerning the connection Intrepid has to Vietnam?
Vietnam was one of many first international locations we ran journeys in. I’d heard that Vietnam was opening up for journey in 1992 so I put out a press launch to see if anybody wished to go to and the response was great. By way of the goodwill of our leaders, travellers and the native communities, the excursions had been successful. I believe we’ve felt a sure connection to Vietnam ever since, and it’s nonetheless one in every of our hottest locations as we speak.
What does it imply to you, as a co-founder of Intrepid, to assist this type of work by the Intrepid Basis?
Intrepid has all the time been about having a goal that’s larger than the enterprise itself.
Intrepid has all the time been about having a goal that’s larger than the enterprise itself. We wish to construct bridges between cultures and provides again to the communities we journey to. We shaped the Intrepid Basis in 2002 as an extension of this philosophy. Actions just like the Blue Dragon Marathon Stroll are an ideal instance of how we will help create an consequence that’s far larger than Intrepid (the enterprise) might obtain by itself. And that’s extremely rewarding for us all.
What do you get pleasure from most concerning the stroll?
Individuals stroll totally different lengths, from the ten km mini marathon, to the half marathon, to the total 42 km model that I do. I prefer it to be a problem annually so I do the total stroll which is each enjoyable and rewarding.
How do you put together for the stroll annually? Do you could have anyone piece of recommendation for anybody who’s signed up in 2025?
I stroll a good bit in my on a regular basis life anyway, so I don’t actually hassle with coaching. Having stated that, I love to do one 20+ km stroll in preparation simply in case I’ve fallen off form. By way of ideas – carry as little with you as doable and stroll at your personal tempo. Headphones are a good suggestion once you need a break or want to seek out your rhythm.
What would you want to inform anybody who’s pondering of becoming a member of this 12 months’s stroll?
My fundamental message is have a go! Both donate to somebody who’s strolling (like me) or buckle up your boots and get strolling your self. You’ll have an amazing day and likewise get an amazing feeling from serving to individuals who actually do want us. It by no means hurts to contemplate simply how lucky we’re in life – after which do one thing constructive for those who haven’t been as fortunate.
Feeling impressed? Signal as much as be part of this 12 months’s marathon on Sunday 14 September. Not a walker? Contribute with out breaking a sweat by making a donation or supporting another person’s fundraising targets. You’ll be able to even assist Darrell hit that AUD 1000 goal.
