the backstory
Event Goal
To raise funds and awareness for mental health. All proceeds will be donated to the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, Headspace. Specifically, proceeds will be shared equally between three local Headspace offices located along the run route in Mildura, Swan Hill and Echuca.
the backstory
A 40-year-old Echuca man, the sole surviving sibling of three sons, Ben ‘’MINO’’ Welch, has set a goal to run 380kms on foot from Mildura to Echuca to honour the memories of his two deceased brothers, Jai and Zac. The Murray River between Mildura and Echuca has been a significant part of life for this avid ski racing family.
so why the 444?
The significance of the 444 Run name origin Ben’s nostalgic passion for #444 stems from the Welch family’s ski racing chapters, in particular the Southern 80 Generation when the race boat ‘’Island Cooler’’ (with race number 444) was in its heyday. The Welch boys skied, observed and drove boats with this race number during so many of those glory days competing in ski races on the Murray River between Mildura and Echuca.
So significant was #444 to Zac in particular, he tattooed the #444 on the left side of his chest as a permanent reminder of so many magic milestone moments he shared with his family and his mates ski racing on the Murray. The most memorable being the year Island Cooler (known as the 444 boat) snagged the elusive title of ‘’King of The Murray’’ a highly sought after accolade ski racers pine to be crowned when or if they win all three Murray River ski racing events in Mildura, Robinvale and Echuca. Island Cooler was one of a very few to ever take this title.
So for Ben to now ‘’run’’ the Murray will undoubtedly cement in the minds of so many loyal followers that he is deserving of a King of the Murray crown in his own right, in his own way, in own time…4 days, 4 hours and 44 minutes.