Lithgow runners have joined together to take part in the Run against Violence, where groups of up to 20 people can walk or run 1300km from Broken Hill to Sydney.
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The virtual challenge is aimed at starting conversations about family violence and ripping down social barriers that society has put up around the topic.
Lithgow residents Florentina Dulceanu and best friend Nicole Purdon are both taking part in this year's challenge, a cause that is close to both their hearts.
"I grew up with family domestic violence throughout my childhood as well as a teenager until I ran away from home at a very young age," Florentina said.
"I was also in a very toxic relationship which was very difficult to get out but I've now rebuilt my life completely and I'm finally able to talk about my experiences."
Florentina said by doing this challenge she wanted to bring awareness to the cause and start conversations with others.
"Which to me is the first step for change," she said.
Nicole said that she wouldn't normally participate in virtual runs or challenges but this one was close to her heart.
"My best friend Tina who I met through running has a history being the victim in domestic violence and I think the biggest win I will get from this challenge is helping spread awareness," she said.
"For the majority of my time being Tina's best friend, I actually had zero clue what she was going through or had been through.
"She was also so happy, kind and friendly and never let anyone suspect a thing, you can never really know what people are going through, not even those closest to you."
Doing this particular challenge meant a lot to Florentina.
"It meant overcoming the fear and isolation I felt by telling my story, this in return freed me of all the pain and suffering I had been through," she said.
"I no longer felt alone, and the community's response was incredible, I was getting messages everyday from many others, all filled with encouragement to keep going, It was very heart warming."
For Nicole, it meant that her best friend wasn't alone in all of this.
"I've got her back no matter what," she said.
The ladies team consists of 10 people, some local and some from as far away as Queensland.
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Together, they are running 1300km, a distance completed by Kirrily Dear in 2014 when she ran on her own from Broken Hill to Sydney in order to bring awareness for domestic violence.
Some of the team members are also working hard to complete 150km or 200km on their own in 19 days.
Both Lithgow ladies are working hard to complete the individual 200 kilometres within the time frame.
Tina has been running 10.5 kilometres every day and a little bit extra for her team efforts while Nicole covered over 100 kilometres in the first nine days.
"It's great because I love to run," she said.
Florentina said the runs have been "great" and she has been clocking in around 10 kilometres most days and then adds in a little more time on the weekends when she has some free time to go on trails and explore new areas.
"I love to run but this challenge has added extra work for me and that's what makes it even better, I have a stubborn wild heart and I'm going to finish this and spread the word as far as I can reach," she said.
Nicole, who is a coached runner makes sure her runs are varied each day.
"I run five days a week, every week, not just for the challenge and generally they are mixed up with hill sprints, interval sprints, long run and some easy runs," she said.
"I think its important to shake the runs up so you don't get bored out there and you continue to improve."
The women said that it was important people supported and got behind the cause because the numbers speak for themselves.
"Statistics show that in Australia an alarming six per cent of men and 17 per cent of women experience violence by a partner, and 1.7 million experience childhood abuse," Florentina said.
"By doing this challenge, we grow in numbers to break the silence and the stigma associated with domestic violence.
"Let's support one another, be a listening ear to a friend, offer a much needed hug to a loved one and every year, everyday, do your best to spread the word."
If you would like to learn more about the challenge, you can do so here.
If you or anyone you know needs help:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
- ReachOut at au.reachout.com