February 19, 2014

Meet the man who has completed the fastest ever circumnavigation of the Earth on foot

In December 2011, Dr Tom Denniss a UOW Bachelor of Mathematics graduate and founder of renewable energy company Oceanlinx, embarked on a run around the world to raise money for Oxfam.

He began in Sydney at the Opera House, with the intention of finishing at precisely the same place. He ran on five of the seven continents, crossed the Rockies and the Andes, as well as deserts like the Nullarbor.

On September 13, 2013, he finished his run around the world at the Sydney Opera House, having taken precisely 622 days to run the equivalent of 622 marathons (26,232 km). This was the fastest ever circumnavigation of the Earth on foot -- some 40 days quicker than Jesper Olsen’s earlier circumnavigation.

Tom followed the guidelines for running around the world that are implicit in Jesper Olsen’s World Run 1 – the first undisputed and fully documented run around the world – which he completed in 2005. These guidelines are the basis for the official world record for the “Fastest Circumnavigation of the Earth on Foot”, as administered by the Book of Alternative Records.

Now Wollongong has a chance to hear from one of UOW’s inspirational alumni when Tom Denniss gives a special presentation in Wollongong city tomorrow (Thursday 20 February).

UOW Alumni Relations Manager, Leanne Newsham, said the presentation would provide opportunities for alumni to network with UOW staff and each other.

Among guests attending will be UOW’s Chief Administration Officer, Ms Melva Crouch, who will speak about the importance of alumni to the University.

Media please note

When: 6.30pm to 9.30pm, Thursday 20 February. Where: Ocean Room, City Beach Function Centre, Marine Drive, Wollongong

More information: See: www.tomsnextstep.com

Note to media:  Tom Denniss is available for interviews from 5pm on Thursday 20 February ahead of his formal presentation

Media contact: Kelly Salmon: +61 421 374 274 or Leanne Newsham: +61 413 993 693.