Skip to content 
Ben Welch: The 444 Run
One thing I always like to do, is to champion runners and the people of this community.
It's not always about who is the fastest, who's done the most km's this week, or the most elevation.
Sometimes it's just about showing up.
But every now and then someone comes along and makes your jaw drop.
We've all seen and heard of Ned Brockmann - he's a different beast.
But a bit closer to home, there's Ben Welch. A local legend from Victoria's North.
Ben is about to take on an incredible challenge: running 380 kilometres from Mildura to Echuca in 4 days, 4 hours, and 44 minutes.
This run isn’t just any challenge; it’s a tribute to his late brothers, Jai and Zac, and a way to give back to his community.
“I’m doing the run in memory of my brothers Jai and Zac,” he told me. Jai passed away in a tragic ski racing accident, and Zac, took his own life in 2022.
Honouring Zac’s favourite number—444—Ben named this challenge “The 444 Run.”
His journey will end in Echuca on 7 March, marking ten years since Jai’s passing.
With every step, Ben’s mission is to turn personal pain into purpose. He’s donating all funds raised to support Headspace centres in Mildura, Echuca, and Swan Hill to help with early intervention for youth mental health in his region.
Again, absolute local legend.
The community’s response has been extraordinary: nearly 100 local businesses are sponsoring the event, and individuals have been donating generously. “The community has been great,” he shared, clearly moved by the love and encouragement.
Local runners have also rallied around him; experienced runners in Echuca/Moama have shared advice, and his coach, Sarah Mulkearns, has been essential in helping him prepare.
With nearly $150,000 raised already, Ben believes they’re only getting started. “I don’t believe there’s a limit to what we can make,” he said, knowing that every dollar raised brings more mental health support to his community.
This ambition is even more impressive given his own journey back to running. After a football injury led to two ankle reconstructions, doctors told him he might never run again. “The ankle is permanently painful, so managing that is the biggest challenge I’ll face for sure,” he shared.
As someone who also has been told that running is no longer on the cards after a terrible injury, I feel connected to Ben's story, and how he has been able to do what it takes to get back out on the road.
I, like I'm sure many others are, are super inspired by Ben's journey and perseverance.
For Ben, the run is about more than his own journey. One of the best parts has been seeing friends build fitness to join him for parts of the route. “To see so many of my friends getting out and having a go at running has been the best thing to come out of the run so far,” he said.
His story is a reminder that our own struggles can inspire others to take steps toward health and connection.
To get involved in Ben's 444 Run, give him a follow on Instagram at @the_444_run to get behind him. You'll also find links there including the GoFundMe page.
Runly has played just a very small part in Ben's journey. We've provided Ben with some running vests to carry everything he needs during his early morning training runs + hydration essentials to keep the fluids up, and will continue to help and support throughout the journey.
Good luck Ben!
