Michael Mannion

2026 March On Challenge

Summit

Made the 96km… did a bit more as forgot to log some of it 😂. Additional km just to reinforce the need for support for our vets.

The wind

Last 3 days have been a push, winds at 40km/hr gusting higher. Really feels like you’re walking uphill.

06:00 on the fly

March’On at 06:00.  

Chill air, sculls on river - coach on bull horn filling the silence.  There away’z a bit - nearly a Klik, Early birds moving, swans floating, Corella scratching grubs, Red-tail Cockatoo on high, Wattlebirds argue and a lone magpie on a light pole observing.  The Raven swoops and removes him…. Off to the next pole - there he sits protesting and warbling.  Two Pink’n’gray come low and last-minute serving face to face as they last see me sun behind’me it wuz…. “Ya’bloody Galah’z”  I yell … and laugh.  The magpie sings to me and the Raven Aaahaawww Aww Auwwwwwerrrrr. 

And we keep walking… me and my shadows.   The birds for company.  Lest we forget. 

7pm kick off…

Trekking in moonlight - good start, apart from forgetting to start the tracking App  :-0
situation normal. ;-)
crickets and night life (wild life) subdued with a cool southerly chilling the air post a warm'sh day.  Half the k’s logged due to error, so put it down to just warming up on the first half.  On’on!

Support my challenge to prevent veteran suicide and save lives

Right now in Australia, at 42%, suicide is the leading cause of death for ex-serving males aged under 30 years old.

So, this March, I am walking to support Soldier On's mental health services and programs to help prevent veteran suicide and save lives.

It would mean so much to me if you donated to support my challenge so that we can show veterans and their families that they are not alone... we stand strong with them.

Together, let's help our heroes march on.

Thanks so much for your support.

So far, I have helped provide:

26

peer support
sessions

24

employment
support

1

psychology
sessions

...to support the mental health of our brave veterans to help them march on.

My Kokoda Track Journey

So far, I have marched:

123km

I’ve conquered Kokoda!

My goal to Kokoda:

96km

My Achievements

Thank you to my sponsors

Legend Rank

Champion Rank

Defender Rank

Ally Rank

$106.12

Fergal Bent Ireland

At the rising of the Sun and the setting of the Sun we will remember. Sin , sin.

$102.12

Michael Mannion

$100

Mary Kavanagh-hopper

Wel done, Michael. Great cause in the memory of Ted.

$80

Anonymous

$54.12

Kylie Marsh

$54.12

Duane Meagan Ostberg

My Pop served in the Australian army... so much respect for our Anzac's

$106.12

Fergal Bent Ireland

At the rising of the Sun and the setting of the Sun we will remember. Sin , sin.

$102.12

Michael Mannion

$100

Mary Kavanagh-hopper

Wel done, Michael. Great cause in the memory of Ted.

$80

Anonymous

$54.12

Kylie Marsh

$54.12

Duane Meagan Ostberg

My Pop served in the Australian army... so much respect for our Anzac's

Thank you to my Sponsors

$80

Anonymous

$54.12

Kylie Marsh

$54.12

Duane Meagan Ostberg

My Pop served in the Australian army... so much respect for our Anzac's