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
$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
