Jake's Last Run Home
Why We’re Running - Jake’s Last Run Home
On Friday 27th February, I will begin a journey that has never been attempted before:
Six loops of the
Megasaw: 100 miles, over 15,000m of elevation.
Completed in under 55 hours.
But this challenge is not about the distance or the
statistics.
This is about Jake
- and finishing where he should have always been able to finish: home.
This event is called Jake’s Last Run Home because it symbolises everything he stood for: helping others, finding clarity in movement, pushing through the hard moments, and returning to the people and places he loved most.
Jake wasn’t just a runner.
He wasn’t just an outdoors person.
He was a registered
mental health, drug and alcohol coach - someone who devoted
his life to supporting others through their toughest battles.
He ran his own business.
He worked with clients from all walks of life.
He was respected, trusted, and incredibly good at what he did.
He helped people find hope again - often when they couldn’t see it themselves.
He loved his work. He loved his clients. And he carried a purpose far bigger than himself.
This run honours that purpose.
It honours the way he showed up for others.
And it honours the light he constantly tried to give away, even on days he felt
the weight himself.
The Challenge: 100 Miles for Jake
The Megasaw is brutal - and Jake would have loved that. It’s:
28km per loop
2,500m of elevation each time
Over 15,000m across 100 miles
Steep. Technical. Relentless.
Starting at The Basin Theatre (Yellow Gate) and finishing at Jake’s family home, the route reflects the journey so many people face with mental health:
Moments of power, moments of exhaustion, long climbs, sudden drops - and the
hope of making it back home.
February’s heat will make it even tougher.
But that’s part of the point.
Some struggles feel impossible until you’re in them.
This run is about carrying on when the weight tries to stop you - exactly the kind of strength Jake helped others find.
How the Community Can Join Us
We invite anyone who knew Jake - or anyone who believes in the cause - to join for any part of the journey.
Come for:
A loop.
A climb.
A few kilometres.
A moment at the aid stations.
Or simply to cheer at the start or the finish at the family home.
Please
come self-supported if joining on the trails.
Two small aid stations will be available on course, but they are for the main
run crew.
Your presence is a reminder that no one should feel alone on their hardest days - a message Jake lived and breathed in his work.
Why we’re supporting Black Dog Institute
Jake dedicated his life to supporting people experiencing mental health, addiction, trauma, and hardship.
This run continues that work in his honour.
Every donation to Black Dog Institute helps fund:
Mental health research.
Early intervention.
Suicide prevention.
Programs for young people and families.
Tools that help people find support when they need it most.
Jake spent his life helping others find their way back to themselves. This is one way we can continue what he started.
Jake’s legacy
“Jake’s Last Run Home” is more than an endurance challenge. It’s a tribute to someone who gave so much of himself to others.
His compassion.
His courage.
His belief that everyone deserved support.
His love for the trails.
His love for his work.
His love for home.
Finishing this run at Jake’s family home is symbolic - a final gesture of love, memory, and connection. A reminder that even when the journey is impossibly hard, there is a path home.
If this run helps even one person feel seen, supported, or hopeful, then Jake’s impact lives on. Your support means everything - for Jake, for his family, and for everyone still fighting their way home.
My Achievements
Thank you to my Sponsors
$564.43
White Wolf Cafe
$11.65
Tom Mischler
$33.15
Anonymous
Wishing you strength and courage.
$22.58
Samuel Hamer
An absolute amazing effort! Well done David for going the extra several miles for this!
$11.65
James Ball
Unbelievable effort Gatt, well done pal
$54.12
Mel Horkin
Ripper effort Dave. What an inspiration!!
$54.12
Alix
$54.12
Laura And Josh Tambakis
$54.12
Nell Henning
$128.88
Adam Crow
Amazing effort mate, congrats
$25
Oliver Rattigan
$20
Jonathan C
$106.12
Troy Outtram
Unbelievable effort mate. Super proud of you legend.
$54.12
Aaron Turner
Amazing 🤩 effort for a very worthy cause
$54.12
Frank Di Pierro
Well done David, huge effort. Jake would be proud of your dedication and resilience in completing this mega run.
$54.12
Hau-chong Family
What an incredible run!! It was so inspiring to follow! Massive respect to you 👏 and wishing you a smooth recovery. Thank you for supporting mental health research and honoring Jake ♡
$22.58
Jordan, Chris And Dolly Xoxo
$106.12
Tori Wolfe
I have no words ❤️🥹
$95.90
Jarrod Kallaste
David, I can’t thank you enough for showing up for my family during this time and carrying Jake’s legacy so strongly the way you have. You are an absolute champion mate. What a heroic effort !!
$131.88
Sam Bugeja
Well done mate. A huge effort and a great cause. You obviously have a big and positive impact on the people around you.
$54.12
Andrea Hill
Thanks to your suppirt team members in the E&S car at the gates of the Sky High Restaurant at 11.00pm on Sat night who provided us support and the offer of a lift home and charged our phone as we were stranded waiting for our uber.
$106.12
Nhl Landscaping
Awesome Gatty, well played!!
$316.50
Brenton & Ashli Ellis
You’re such an incredible human brother! Bringing together the community and raising awareness for such a good cause. The impact you’ve had on Jake’s family and us all is life changing! Bring it home 🏔️🐐🫡
$33.15
Mahala Fox
$54.12
Alex Cleary
Keep fighting the good fight my friend, doing more than you know
$54.12
Strachan Family
$50
Joel Sexton
You are an inspirational man Gatty. An Incredible tribute for a very worthy cause. You’ve got this man 💪
$54.12
Andrew & Jeanette Smith
Terrific effort and cause. Congrats.
$54.12
This Is Mira Claudia
This runs about love. Too weird to live. Too rare to die.
$70.96
Dani Lamport
$263.75
Mary & Neil Blundy
To support our plumber, Jake's dad Pete. And for trail runners who might be doing it tough, without us knowing it. From The Wilderness Shop and Bogong Equipment.
$22.58
Angela Bolonis
$11.65
Michael Forsyth
Thankyou!
$263.75
Jodie Thompson
$54.12
Andy And Tracy
$54.12
Daniel Chapman
Bloody legend, dont know who you are but I love seeing legends do things for a good cause.
$80.25
Mike
Go Dave
$22.58
Michael Wheatland
$54.12
Lynne
Congratulations David it’s a wonderful thing you are doing in your mates memory. Thank you for your kindness, big heart and raising awareness and $ for mental health- you are a legend💜
$103.72
Billy Mitchem
You’ve got this my man. It’s More than just running it’s the community it’s the friends you build along the way, the suffering involved is nothing compared to the glory revealed to us later. Knowing people will be there to support you and understand we are all there to support you in this event that has a meaning behind it. (Bigger picture than
$54.12
Lisa Palmer
Fantastic work Dave! ⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️ Such a wonderful cause and close to my own heart and memories of my beautiful Marcus 💓
$54.12
Jane & Rob
Sending love and support to Gatty, Britt, Jake's family & friends xx
$22.58
Vanessa Lissek
How fantastic to see the communities coming together and upholding jakes legacy ....the strength of showing up for one another.
$54.12
Joey & Lee Box
What you're doing is amazing 🤍
$11.65
Muhammad Chilwan
$22.58
Jessica Hamer
$54.12
G Rhodes
Awesome Gatty, such an amazing cause
$54.12
Jenni Campbell
Jake: a wonderful student who became an amazing young man.
$54.12
Stuart Cox
Legend.
$54.12
Tim W
$450
Richard Matison
A great cause. Do well Gatty!
$11.65
Tanya Mitchell
$106.12
Anonymous
$100
Josh Goding
Love your work Gatty, raising funds for a much needed cause I’m sure Jake would be very proud
$54.12
Stephen Foxworthy
Great work Gatty - go luck going the distance
$211
Thomas Francis
Inspiring and impressive Dave- Tom from Adobe
$27.81
Mitch Formica
You’re a true leader, gatty. Well done mate. Run like the wind
$131.88
Gabrielle Shone
$106.12
Mitch Ribar
❤️❤️❤️ Great cause mate, wishing you all the best on the journey ❤️❤️❤️
$54.12
Connor Haw
Great cause Dave, all the best!
$54.12
Sandra Sweeney
$6.13
Oscar
$50
Sascha Wolfe
$20
Sue Wilson
Great cause for Jakey
$27.81
Enza Turner
In memory of Jake 🩵 & sending love to all his family Such a worthy charity
$54.12
Jodie Mitchell
In memory of my dear friend Jake 🧡
$27.81
Kate Harrison
All my Love ♥
$54.12
Ian Vanin
$400.90
Omega Automotive Service Centre
$125
Disability Support Link
Great work and cause- wish you all the best
$106.12
Anonymous
Message to white wolf. All the best.
$15
Gabrielle
$100
Pete Kehagias
Great cause Dave, for a great man, and to the amazing Wolfe Family. Pete NPT co worker with our loved Mary
$50
Pete The Royal
Pete Royal Hotel, great cause for a legend of a man
$50
Sharon Mcneil
$54.12
Chloe And Ben
Miss you Jake! All the best for the challenge David, an incredible way to pay honour to him 💪
$54.12
Fiona Kennon
Sending so much love to Torie and her family. What an incredible way to honour your brother’s legacy.
$22.58
Meagan Carlaw
Love to our wonderful Torie and her beautiful family
$54.12
Kelly T
$22.58
Stella Mavridis
May he win this battle 💕
$25
Michael Petrescu
$52.92
Sarah Rosales
Amazing cause to support, you got this Dave 💪🏃🏻♂️
$54.12
Bobbi & Sacha
So proud of Uncle Dave ❤️
$158.25
Nikkie Geschke
Such an incredible effort and cause!
$54.12
Rob Arthurson
Great cause mate, lost my brother 7 years ago and it still hits hard. Will try and run a loop with you.
$27.81
Love Bree
$33.15
Mcauliffe Family
You’re a bloody good man Mr Gatt! This is within you 💪
$54.12
Jadan And Eleanor
$11.65
Fawn Gillespie
💙💙💙
$6.13
Anonymous
$54.12
Brian
$100
Irene Gianna
$54.12
Lesley Lennox
Awesome effort
$54.12
Tregenzas
$54.12
Talesha Neill
$33.15
Anonymous
$54.12
Simon Neale
Awesome mate. Such an incredible thing to do!
$54.12
Cathy Andronikos
$28
Janet Hergt
$43.60
Tori Wolfe
My bro ❤️
$316.50
Dave, Aimee &annie
In loving memory of Jake. ❤️
$106.12
Dp
You’re the best Gatty
$206.20
Helen Griffiths
Very worthy cause!
$54.12
Dimitra
$445
Fsg Staff
Amazing cause - best of luck! From staff at FSG for Ashleigh Kallaste
$27.81
Phoebe White
$50
Andy Zhang
$33.15
Emma A
$125
Bonny Wang
$22.58
Karen Marshall
$54.12
Susanne Griggs
$54.12
Bita Kamyab
Such a great cause Dave! Well done
$106.12
Topher Preston
Lost for words , definitely OUTSTANDING 💯
$106.12
Courtney Stoppa
$106.12
Nat Gow
Sorry to hear of this terrible loss. We also hope to join you for some megasaw too !
$54.12
Brad R
$22.58
Jordan, Chris And Dolly
❤️❤️❤️
$22.58
Steve Barron
$43.60
Steph & Rhys Chin
$33.15
Anne-maree, Dino & Sammy Xx
$22.58
Erin, Chris And Poppy
$33.15
Melissa Heldoorn
$54.12
Frances Le Griffon
$54.12
Sally And Joe Terlato
Honouring Jake and recognising the love and support of his beautiful family, whom are blessed to know and work with. Sending love ❤️
$54.12
Claire Henderson
$520
Omega Automotive
$106.12
Dean & Sam Maher
$795
Jarrod Kallaste
$106.12
Carrie & Pete Smith
$54.12
Heidi Lenffer
$54.12
Paula Pannell
$211
Dean Elec And Solar
$106.12
Maria Teresa Sagaria
Such an inspiration, Gatty! Proud.
$54.12
Mandy Gatt & The Beaty”s
Fantastic charity Dave.. well done Jake!
$54.12
Jordan Nuks
Not sure if I’ll be able to make it down brother but He sounds like he was an incredible man and human. Hope my support can help out in some ways brother.
$54.12
Alli Rattray
$412.40
The Kallaste Family
$54.12
Ken Dutton
$54.12
Joel Laing
Great effort brother
$54.12
The Kacprzaks 😁
$125.95
Paul Walker
$131.88
Jonathan Reeve
Well done Gatty and team. I never met Jake but this is clearly a fitting tribute to him,
$50
Sam Steeg
Incredible cause, can’t wait to support you on this one mate ❤️
$106.12
Matt Thomas
A beautiful tribute Gatty. Jake sounds like a ripper bloke and must be dearly missed by his family and friends. I’ll join you for a loop of the saw 🩵
$106.12
James
All heart
$520
Rach Walker
Thank you!
$106.12
Patrick Walker
$54.12
Hayden Griffiths
$50
Liam Fahey
$50
Noleen Quinn
$131.88
Jarrod Kallaste
$131.88
Nikki Olsen
Hi Gatty, I am so sad to hear this. I would love to join you on your quest. I ran quite a few times with Jake when he was preparing for the Melbourne marathon in Oct 2021 with DTR and Running with the Burbs.
$211
Kathy, Connor, Chloe, Tayla & Adrian
It’s great that you are helping keep Jake’s legacy alive and continue to help those that need it the most.
$54.12
Liam Cregan
$54.12
Torie Wolfe
Love you my brother ❤️
$106.12
Jenny Belichovski
$54.12
Jim Murphy
Well done guys🤛
$33.15
Carol Randall
$54.12
Megan Dellaquila
$54.12
Felicity
$52.92
Madison Marsh
$106.12
Cody Fuller
$54.12
The Gatts X
$106.12
Mary Wolfe
David we can't thank you enough for organising this event in honour of our Jakey and to such a worthy charity
$80.25
Tony Gatt
$54.12
Cuffy
$54.12
Josee P
$106.12
Pete Wolfe
$103.72
Chelsea Mammone
$54.12
Anonymous
$106.12
On behalf of the community at the White Wolf Cafe. Congratulations. You have such amazing stength.