Help Support The Bruce Brothers' Cape To Cape Run For Canteen
“A saying that I love is ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together’ - and that’s essentially the mantra for this run, and for our decision to fundraise for Canteen. We want to bring as many people along on this journey with us as we can.” – Angus Bruce
The Bruce brothers Angus and Jackson are setting out on an epic journey on March 25 – 26 to run for a cause close to their heart – raising funds for Canteen Australia. Canteen Australia’s vision is to ensure “that no young person goes through cancer alone” by providing the essential support needed to help youth and young adults get through this difficult time.
The ‘Cape to Cape’ run, taking place on the majestic Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia, will span 160km – the distance between Cape Willoughby and Cape Borda (154.2km) plus a little extra to make it a happy 100 miles.
The Bruce brothers aim to run the full distance in under 24 hours and hope to raise $16,000 on their journey (equivalent to $100 per kilometre) through their Raise It page. Through their efforts and your donations, Canteen Australia will receive a helping hand to support cancer-affected young Australians.
Canteen Australia: Stand Up To Cancer
Each day cancer becomes a part of the lives of 63 young Australians – whether they or a loved one in their close family are diagnosed with the disease. The diagnosis can be world-shattering – shaking a young person’s sense of identity and having devastating impacts to their mental health.
“2 in 5 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer throughout their life. Unfortunately, cancer as a disease influences almost all of us either directly, or via family or friends/someone in your community. And dealing with cancer at any age is tough, but particularly for youth and young people, it is such a hard thing to go through,” Angus shared.
"We’re choosing to suffer for 24 hours, but so many young people suffer much worse from situations completely out of their control.”
Canteen Australia is a "not for profit who work tirelessly to make young people’s lives better,” said Angus. They offer valuable free support services, helping 12 – 25 year olds that have cancer or have suffered from cancer in the past, have a parent or sibling with cancer or are dealing with grief and distress from a loss in the family.
“Cancer is something that unfortunately affects a lot of people whether those people are from your immediate family and friends or people from your area. Canteen Australia does an incredible job supporting families of children with cancer. The idea of raising money for an amazing charity that helps people in need is something both Angus and I are really proud of,” Jackson shared.
Canteen Australia’s research-based resources provide genuine, effective help with an emphasis on the specific emotional and social needs of young people. This is through specialised support services like Canteen Connect - providing young people with 24/7 access to helpful information, online counsellors and an online support network of other young Aussies experiencing similar hardship. This ensures they know they’re not alone - helping to lift feelings of isolation and nurturing hope.
Cancer affects everyone in different ways and Canteen Australia’s mission is to cater to the individual with tailored support – offering a variety of events and programs to support the emotional wellbeing of cancer-affected youth, helping them to develop coping strategies and healthy ways to deal with grief.
“Since we’ve started fundraising, we’ve been really touched by people messaging us and showing their support, in particular for Canteen and the amazing work they do. And having met the team, we’re so happy to be contributing in a small way to what they collectively do,” said Angus.
We're Stronger Together: Running Cape To Cape To Raise Funds
Having been raised in the country on the Yorke Peninsula in the small town of Arthurton, the Bruce brothers have a great respect for the natural world and a whole-hearted appreciation for both community and family. They harbour close ties to the beautifully rugged Kangaroo Island, having developed friendships with many families that call the island home.
“Growing up in a small country town, community has always been at the centre of what we do, so it’s always been a mindset of finding a way to bring as many people along for the journey as possible,” said Angus.
Their father, a farmer, provided help during the 2019-2020 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires at Kangaroo Island that devastated the community, landscape and wildlife – tearing through residents' homes and scarring the pristine wilderness that was a refuge to a variety of Australia’s endangered species.
“Kangaroo Island was devastated with fires in 2019 which our dad went across to help with. Being from a country community the devastating effect something like this can have on a community is well known. For us, if we can bring some joy to the island through running and supporting an amazing charity that’s the least we can do,” Jackson shared.
Reinforcing the message that we’re stronger together, 26 year old Angus and 24 year old Jackson have chosen to run side by side to achieve their shared goal to raise funds for Canteen Australia.
"We have always dreamed of doing a long run like this together. Both of us have done some other ultra events previously but are still relatively new to it, so the idea of doing it together allows us to push each other and also support each other," said Jackson.
Alongside the immense effort of running 'Cape to Cape' across Kangaroo Island, the Bruce brothers are enthusiastic to set the official fastest known time (FKT) of the route.
“The idea of setting the FKT is a really cool concept that for us to achieve together would be incredible. The appeal for us also is running from one side of an island to the other and if we are able to achieve the FKT that is something we will certainly be really proud of,” said Jackson.
“We have always wanted to do a big run together, and when Jacko stumbled upon the Fastest Known Time route, we loved the idea of running across an island. We both love pushing ourselves and seeing what we are capable of physically and mentally, and we just thought why not do something big as brothers, and see what we can achieve together,” said Angus.
In terms of training, Angus shared that “since late December we have been averaging between 60 and 90km a week,” supported by running coach David Turnbull at Perform Best.
“Probably equal parts coach, as well as a mentor for both of us. We trust in his process 110%, and having been coached previously by DT, it was a no-brainer to have him on board to help us tackle this project.”
Jackson works at Adelaide High as a PE and Health School Teacher, while Angus is a part of the METRONET state government project, with a background in digital communications. Despite their different career paths, both brothers are everyday athletes and value the positive physical and mental health benefits of running.
"Running for me is so much more than ‘fitness’. It is a place I go to relax, to be mindful/present. Running brings people together. I love running and the communities I’ve seen built and strengthened by this incredible sport," said Angus.
Similarly, Jackson has a great respect and appreciation for running, both in supporting mental health and to build positive connections with others.
“Running for me is a great escape from the business of day-to-day life. It has also allowed me to meet some incredible people along the way and build friendships that will last forever. I used it as a tool to clear my head originally and kind of fell in love with it and have been inspired by friends and other people doing amazing things here in SA.”
The Bruce brothers aim to complete the entire run - which is just short of four marathons back-to-back - in 20 to 24 hours, and they'll potentially run through the night if the weather permits.
No ultramarathon distance is without its challenges, from unforeseeable weather and managing hydration, to “blisters, swollen feet and potentially losing a few toenails,” said Angus. Succeeding not only relies on physical fitness, but mental resilience.
Jackson reflects that, “Mentally, it is a long time to focus, and we both believe the mental aspect is the most important to being able to keep pushing when times are tough. To complete a run like this self-motivation is really important as well as drawing motivation from external factors such as all the incredible people that have donated and those people and families that Canteen supports”.
Angus said that through the challenges, “Honestly, the single biggest motivator will be having each other there throughout the whole run. I can’t wait to ride the highs and lows together, and push ourselves collectively to the finish line. We’ve been dreaming and brainstorming this run for so long, it’s going to be unbelievable to finally be on the island in the depths of the run”.
Alongside the run, Angus has committed to the chop. He’ll be running lighter when he laces up on the 25th of March, with his plans to shave off his hair before setting out on the 160km route. His long hair with 8 years in the making will be donated to someone in need.
How Can I Help?
Cancer can change a young person’s world… but you can change it for the better.
Donating is something you can do right now through the Bruce brothers’ Raise It page.
With your generosity and by spreading the word, you can help Canteen Australia stand up to cancer through free services that provide compassionate and practical support.
“Seeing people donate, and their wonderful words of encouragement and support has been truly special. I’ve been brought to tears several times already by the stories and amazing messages of support, and I expect that to be a theme throughout the run, and after as well. It is so special to know we are contributing to such a wonderful cause, and the appreciation has really touched us,” said Angus.
Jackson shared that “Hearing stories from families that have been supported by Canteen has been inspiring and reinforces the incredible job they do. The least we can do is fundraise as much as we possibly can to help Canteen provide much needed support to families affected by cancer”.
Most of us try to avoid thinking or talking about cancer - but by being brave and bringing it forward, raising awareness and funds and prioritising compassion and understanding – you can support Canteen Australia and help make a real, positive change in a young person's life.
Thank you sincerely for your donation.
Donate now at brucebrothers.com.au and share your support.
Check out the Canteen Australia website, Facebook and Instagram for more information on their support services and how you can help.
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Below Angus and Jackson share with you personal insight on their life, training and the journey ahead.
1. What was life like growing up in the country and how did that influence your values?
Angus:
Life growing up in the country was pretty special. We spent a lot of time outside running amuck, riding motorbikes, playing basketball, cricket, football, the list goes on.
We grew up in a town with a population of about 50 people, Arthurton, on the Yorke Peninsula. The town’s motto is ‘Little Town, Big Spirit’, and in a way, I think we have carried this motto with us in our life endeavours.
Jackson:
Life growing up in the country was amazing, community and sport is a massive part of growing up in the country. We both played cricket, footy and basketball and loved the team aspect of it, perhaps that’s why doing a run like this together is more appealing. In terms of influence and values our parents and family have had a massive effect on us. Hard working and persistence we’ve seen throughout our lives with the way our parents work.
Watching Dad managing farms, seeing the amount of time and effort that goes into it is unbelievable and motivates us both to be as hard working as him. Mum has always instilled in us both to be kind and appreciate what we have so the idea of raising funds for families affected by cancer is something we are both very proud of. They are coming across with us to support and will be there every step of the way.
2. What are your top training tips in preparing for an endurance run like this?
Angus:
- Build your base! Don’t jump straight into big mileage, and run slow!
- Leave your ego at the door. Running is one of the greatest equalisers.
A motto that has stuck with me since school, and something I implement in my training, work and day to day life… 'Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance'. Put in the work, trust in your work, and deliver on your work. ‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard enough.'
I would highly recommend a coach. Speaking from our experience, DT’s (David Turnbull's) expertise has allowed us to tackle challenges that we previously only dreamed of/ had no idea how to train for. We have never been the fastest, or ‘best’ runners in our sporting teams, but we have always given it our all. Having a coach has allowed us to channel that energy, and aim at more specific goals.
Jackson:
Trial as many different nutrition options as possible. On the day anything can happen with food intake so it’s really important to have back up options as nutrition is a crucial part of a run like this.
Be patient, this is really important when training for an endurance run. Training sessions look a lot different and getting used to running slow and being patient is tough at times but worth it in the long run.
3. What challenges are you expecting during the 160km run?
Angus:
I foresee a number of challenges including consistently taking on nutrition (typically gets harder as you get further through, as your body is confused by the strain you are putting it under, and wondering why it isn’t getting a proper rest).
The weather is an unknown that you can never really be certain about. Hopefully this isn’t too much of a factor, but it is something we will keep an eye on, and look to adapt depending on what cards we are dealt.
Jackson:
Obviously when completing a run like this there is a lot that can go wrong. I think the most important thing is being aware that it is not going to be smooth sailing for 160km. I think the main physical challenges are ensuring we are eating and drinking enough as this can be difficult at times, monitoring blisters and sore parts of the body.
When struggling I often think about just being grateful for the opportunity to be able to run. Through time working with children with disabilities I have seen how fortunate we are to be able to physically run and I think that’s something we take for granted.
4. What running shoes will you be wearing and why?
Angus:
We’ll be wearing the New Balance Fresh Foam More v4, and potentially the New Balance 1080 throughout our run. Personally, I have been a New Balance die-hard ever since stumbling upon the 1080, and the More v4 could be the best shoe I’ve ever run in… ask me again after 160km! Very confident my answer to this won’t change, however.
They offer a perfect mix of cushion and stability and keep my legs and body feeling fresh throughout. For me, it’s about using a shoe that you can trust, and know what you are going to get. And New Balance's More v4 and 1080 is that shoe for us, so we will stick with it.
Jackson:
We both will be running in the New Balance More and 1080. Both pairs of shoes are favourites of both of us. I know the 1080 model is a really popular shoe and has been for a long time and a run like this shows how versatile the shoe is.
The More provides some nice comfort and much needed spring in your step. We have both been running in the 1080 for years and it is certainly Angus’ favourite shoe, seeing he is on his 15th pair of the model. Both shoes are great options for long runs but also provide speed when required.
5. You’ll be running side by side with your brother to raise funds to support cancer-affected young Australians. In what ways do you run stronger by running together?
Angus:
We run stronger together because although we are similar, we are also quite different. We bring different strengths to the table, but together we make a lethal team.
A key component to our bond is that we fuel off each other really well. I think I speak for both of us when I say our individual drive to push ourselves is only second to our desire to see the other succeed. We always have each other's backs, and want nothing but the best for each other. So it creates a positive feedback loop of motivation.
Jackson:
The idea of running side by side with each other gives us both lots of motivation. Being able to raise funds together for such a special charity makes us both very proud. Helping each other ride the highs and lows of a run like this is important and the fact that we are so close will hopefully help us to work together and complete the FKT.
Knowing I will have Angus next to me every step of the way gives me confidence that whatever is thrown at us as long as I have him by my side, we will conquer it.
Good luck Angus and Jackson on your amazing journey! Thank you whole-heartedly for raising funds for Canteen and we wish you all the best on fulfilling your dream of running cape to cape, side by side.
Happy running!