Dynamic duo undertake mammoth run to support Gaza

Two young men from Melbourne arrived in Wollongong this week, tired but elated.

Despite almost 1000 km separating the two cities, and temperatures in the 30s, Azeez Nabulsi arrived on foot, flanked by his good friend Ali Haniffa in a car.

Azeez is running from Melbourne to Sydney to raise money and awareness for Gaza.

The 20-year-old third-year electrical apprentice said he “wasn’t the greatest runner,” but felt compelled to use what he had to make a difference.

“Since the crisis in Gaza started, seeing the protests in the city every week, I kept thinking about what I have to offer,” he said.

“I love sports and I’ve been running for a little while, so I thought that could be something.”

When he told childhood friend Ali about his “crazy idea”, 22-year-old Ali was quick to jump on board.

While Azeez has been the one to do the actual running, Ali has been the tireless logistics manager, Gatorade supplier and documentarian for the mammoth, month-long effort.

Ali said the death of a friend gave him the push to get outside his comfort zone and take on the challenge with Azeez.

“My friend was really involved in community work, and his death made me reflect on what I want to leave behind,” Ali said.

“To see Azeez channel all his energy, daring and courage into something good … when he told me, I said, ‘Let’s do it’.

“I’m not a runner but video editing and filming is one of my passions. I wanted to look at how I could help instead of looking at the obstacles.”

Azeez said the first week was tough. The two wanted to build in a time buffer in case of illness or injury later in the run, so he regularly ran just shy of 40 km each day.

Now on the home stretch he’s been able to drop down to a more manageable 30 km a day.

“We’ve gotten into a rhythm and I’m super chuffed,” he said.

“Each day is different; it’s been cool. Ali tells me where to run and I go.

“It’s been a very reflective experience.

“After a long day of running you feel really tired, but I don’t have a right to complain about blisters and bruises when you think about what the people of Gaza have endured.

“They’re our main source of motivation.

“We’re not breaking any records but I’m doing my best.

“I hope it shows others they can surprise themselves when they focus on their abilities instead of their limitations.”

The friendship between the two is palpable, with Ali inspired by Azeez’s energy and ambition, and Azeez deeply grateful for Ali’s problem-solving skills and unrelenting hard work.

Azeez and Ali said they had been met with overwhelming support that had buoyed them throughout their journey, from messages and comments to donations.

A high point was when the South Coast community joined them to cross Moruya Bridge.

“Having the whole community come out, people we had never met, to support us and walk together was super heartwarming,” Azeez said.

“It was amazing. We stayed with people there, they hosted us, everyone was really lovely.”

In addition to raising funds, the two hope their efforts will make others realise they have the power to make a difference.

Their journey has garnered more than 1000 followers on Instagram and raised more than $30,000 so far.

“Azeez has got this mental fortitude to the point where it’s a bit crazy, and I think that’s what has inspired people to give,” Ali said.

“We couldn’t come up with $32k on our own if we worked full-time.”

By the time they arrive at the Opera House in Sydney at 3:30 pm on Saturday 30 October, they hope to have raised $50,000.

“We’d love for anyone living in Sydney or nearby to come and meet us at the finish line,” Azeez said.

“It would be so good to share that experience and celebrate completing it.”

To follow their journey, head to @gazaendurance on Instagram.

To make a donation, head to Gaza Endurance – Human Appeal Australia.