In a bid to raise awareness and funding for spinal cord injury, walking paraplegic Mitch Swan is taking on the world’s hardest half marathon.

In what started as a personal challenge, Mitch, along with four friends, are trekking the 21.1km walk to contribute to the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation which aims to find a cure for paralysis.

The Point to Pinnacle is dubbed as one of the hardest marathons due to the 1270 metres of ascending, gradients above ten per cent and extreme changes in climate and weather conditions from Hobart to Mount Wellington.

It is set to see 3,000 starters in the race to the Pinnacle this year on 20 November.

Hayden Bombaci, Mitch’s friend of 30 years, says there is no better way for him and his friends to get around Mitch than walk alongside him.

“I would never put my hand up to do this, let alone do it with the difficulties he has faced,” Hayden says.

“Mitch is a humble pie, and his focus is set on the foundation. This marathon with his challenges speaks for itself and I think he will do it without even knowing he is inspiring others.”

The grueling Point to Pinnacle course

A motocross accident saw the eighteen year old Kiama local break his back in 2008 where he was initially a full paraplegic but later gained back 20 to 30 per cent function.

“He went through these challenges at such a pivotal age when he was a young, fit male who enjoyed oz-tag, cross country, motocross, and surfing. That is where I am drawing my inspiration from,” Hayden says.

“I’m very fortunate I am in a position where I’m able to compete,” Mitch says, “some people have a much more challenging situation, and they are the real inspirations.”

When they reach Mount Wellington, Mitch says there will be a mix of emotions.

“It will be a huge achievement for myself, and I will be grateful I could do it. It will be the biggest personal thing I have done for a good while,” Mitch says.

With the marathon in sight, Mitch and his friends have become well acquainted with Saddleback Mountain as they prepare for the elevation of the course. The pair say there will definitely be tears on the day.

“I go to the gym every morning and we have been doing weekly walks, as well as a walk up Saddleback every weekend. But as we lead into it, we are going to have to start ramping it up,” Mitch says.

Currently Mitch and Hayden are focusing on setting up sponsorships with businesses who have helped Mitch through his journey, but there is no doubt about the real motive for participating in the event.

“It is more about spinal cord injury awareness and getting the word out about the foundation and what they are doing, while also doing my bit for the spinal cord injury community as I get a lot of inspiration from them,” he says.

Support the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation through Mitch’s team on this website.

Follow on instagram