Road To The Outback Marathon

By David Barker Join Me

My Activity Tracking

353
kms

My target 42 kms

Our “why” behind this is close to home.


My dad has been a kidney transplant patient for over 20 years. Before that, I watched him go through dialysis, 6 hours a day, 3 days a week, just to stay alive. Even after receiving his transplant, the journey hasn’t been easy. The medications required to suppress his immune system have brought their own challenges over the years.


Now, I’m 41.

My dad was 40 when he was diagnosed and began dialysis.


That reality isn’t lost on me.


On top of that, one of his close friends, and a close family friend of ours, Brian, is currently undergoing dialysis and hoping for a transplant soon.


Seeing this firsthand changes your perspective. It builds resilience. It reminds you what real adversity looks like, and how fortunate you are to have your health.


That’s why we’ve chosen to take on our first full marathon in the Australian Outback, something physically and mentally demanding, to challenge ourselves and raise awareness for a cause that means a lot to us.


There are over 25,000 people in Australia living with kidney failure. There is no cure. Dialysis or a kidney transplant are the only ways to stay alive.


We are taking on this challenge to help transform the future of kidney disease.


If you can, please support us. Your contribution will help fund vital services and research, and give those affected the opportunity to live better, fuller lives.


Together, we can make a difference.


Thank you for your support.


My Updates

Why We’re Running the Australian Outback Marathon for Kidney Health Australia

Friday 1st May

This year, we’re taking on our first marathon in the Australian outback,  not just to challenge ourselves physically and mentally, but to raise awareness and support for a cause that means a lot to us.

Our reason for doing this is deeply personal.

Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand the impact kidney disease can have on individuals and families. Watching people close to us go through dialysis, ongoing treatment, and the challenges that come with kidney disease changes your perspective on health, resilience, and what real adversity looks like.

That’s a big part of why we chose to do this.

Training for a marathon has already pushed us outside our comfort zone. Big days, tired legs, long runs, and staying consistent when motivation is low, it’s all part of the process.

But every session has a deeper purpose behind it.

This journey is about more than running.

It’s about gratitude for our health.

It’s about doing something difficult in support of people facing battles far greater than a race.

And it’s about contributing to a future where more Australians affected by kidney disease can access the support, care, and research they need.

There are more than 25,000 Australians currently living with kidney failure. For many, dialysis or a kidney transplant are the only ways to survive.

That’s why we’re proud to be supporting Kidney Health Australia through this challenge.

How you can support:

If you’d like to support our journey and help raise funds for Kidney Health Australia, you can donate through the link below.

Every donation, message, and bit of support genuinely means a lot to us.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$500

Clarity Financial Planning

You’re a legend David! Got get em for Dad!

$267.25

Mark & Julie Woodley

So proud of you both ♥️

$200

Hays Daewoud

Super proud.

$200

Warren Angus

Good luck!

$162.75

Kristy

Thank you for spreading awareness. So proud of you both xx

$159.15

Belle Pearce

It brings us so much joy seeing you work together and push your own limits. We are with you every step of the way. Go Kendra and Dave!

$148.57

Sara Kousoulis

💙 The dedication, discipline, and heart you both bring both in training and in life is so inspiring. Pushing your bodies and minds to the limit to raise awareness and support for the Kidney Foundation is something truly special. So proud to be part of your journey and to witness the impact you’re making. You’re not just running a marathon… you’re changing lives 👏🏼

$106.75

Bettina Barker

Love you and good luck with the Marathon. So proud of you. B xo

$106.75

Alex Leighton

$106.12

Anonymous

$106.12

Ted & Vicki Stone

Good luck with the run David & Kendra. We’re so proud of you! Such a worthy cause!!!! 🥰🤗

$106.12

Paul Hassarati

Good luck and God bless you 🙏

$106.12

Alison Brown

Good luck!

$106.12

Kerrie Mck

You’ve both worked smart & committed to your plan to achieve this goal! Well done you two! xxoo🏃🏃🏻‍♀️💙❤️

$106.12

Brett Townsend

We love you guys - very proud of you both. Excited to hear that you will smash this out of the park! All for a good cause ❤️

$106.12

Jennifer Barker

Dad and I are so proud of you and Kendra wanting to make a difference .......Good luck for the Marathon. See you at the finish line.

$106.12

Aroha Woodley

Letsgooo!

$106.12

Brian & Alison Brown Woodley

$106.12

Amy

Can’t wait to see what you guys achieve!! Proud of you!!!

$106.12

Emily N Angelo Konstas

U r both so inspirational. Really appreciate how you both pay it forward. Good luck on the journey. Your cheers quad n friends Emily n Angelo

$77.36

Jennifer Barker

Lets round it up for a big finish!

$66.73

Bronte H

You’ve got this D&K. Doing great things. Lessgoo xx

$66.73

Vanessa Needham

$66.73

Lis

Love to you and Kendra

$66.73

Anonymous

$65.39

Margaret Short

Congratulations David and Kendra. This is a fabulous project that you are completing in honour of father, Alf.

$65.39

Steven Dib

$65.39

Luke & Em

You two are amazing! So is Brian! Such a great cause x

$65.39

Luke Strong

So proud of you both

$65.39

Lynda

Best wishes Dave & Kendra. Go getem! Much love ❤️

$65.39

Val Hull

Good on ya for undertaking this!

$64.67

Ali & Wayne

Proud of you Dave & Kendra

$64.58

Anonymous

$55.95

Sue

#amazingdave Best luck and hope you guys have a great time. Love ya and as always so very proud of you and to call you a friend xx

$55.95

Katelyn Brady

Go Kendra and Dave 🫶🏼

$55.95

Patricia Barker

Love you my darling. Wishing you both good luck for the marathon. Love Nan xo

$55.95

Kat

Congratulations on achieving not just the marathon, but your goals in fundraising and awareness. Always proud x

$54.84

Hayley Mort

Best luck Dave and Kendra, what an amazing adventure!! Hayley (Brown)

$54.84

Peter & Gabriele Coates

All the best! We’re sure you’ll do well!

$54.84

Pip Dews

$54.84

Linda Newland

All the best

$54.84

The Purdy’s

$54.84

Renee And Jenna Faint

Go Miss Kendra

$33.87

Sophie Brown

Good luck David!

$33.87

Holly

Best of luck guys!! I just know you will both smash it!!

$33.87

Danielle Devereux

Awesome doing what you can to make a difference.

$33.87

Made Lisnu

Good on you David. Good luck with the marathon 🏃🏽‍♂️ 🏃🏽‍♀️

$33.15

Bridge

Proud of you guys!

$27.81

Anna Maguire

Phenomenal cause, your dad is gonna be so proud! Get after ittttt 🏃‍♀️

$23.81

Sezzy Chisholm

Get it legends! So proud of you both! Huge achievement and an incredible cause xx

$23.81

Scott Newey

Killing it guys

$23.50

Paul Archer

Great cause, run well!

$23.50

Nick K

Get em tiger

$23.50

The Lowes

Good Luck Kendra & David 💪🏼❤️

$23.02

Bree Clarke

$22.58

Izzy Dimarco

Always so incredibly proud of you both! 💌

$22.58

Emma

Absolute legend Davey !

$20

Bec And Leigh

Well done to the both of you !!