AFTER 14 years of training, Dane Waites entered the Wimmera on Friday after setting off from Perth in June to run more than 4000 kilometres back home to Pambula.
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The athlete with autism wanted to run across the country since he won a bronze medal for Australia at the 2003 Special Olympics World Games.
He is raising money for autism awareness and mental health with proceeds going to Autism Spectrum Australia, Beyondblue and Autism CRC.
Mr Waites, 43, said he wanted other people living with autism to believe a “great life” was possible.
“It can be achieved,” he said. “Every day I just run – I run like the wind.”
Mr Waites had run 50 kilometres every day for 14 years in the lead-up to the ultra marathon.
“I am doing it for the memory of my Dad who died and is in heaven – and also for families who have autistic daughters and sons,” Mr Waites said.
Mr Waites’ mother Junee struggled for words, but said her emotions stretched beyond pride.
“It is heartfelt,” she said.
“He gets a toot and a wave from all the semi-trailers that go past him along the way.
“He is just a handsome, strong athlete and a lot of people don’t realise he has autism.
“He is effectively running for the voiceless.”
Mr Waites ran through Horsham at the weekend.
People gathered to welcome him at a dinner at the Victoria Hotel on Saturday night before he hosted a question-and-answer session about his journey across Australia.
“His story has been gaining momentum as he runs along,” Ms Waites said.
“He had such an incredible entrance into Adelaide and all the little towns he has passed through – you would not know the interest it has generated.
“Everyone wants to know about Dane and his journey.”
Mr Waites will pass through Great Western, Ararat, Beaufort and Ballarat before heading east towards his New South Wales home at the end of the month.
“I just look at him and sense his joy and the incredible awareness he is creating,” Ms Waites said. “I am so happy for him.”
