Matthew Haines and John Davis are training to run from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne to Albury.
Both 23, they plan to run 65km - or 1 1/2 marathons - a day for five days next May.
The pair, from Diggers Rest and Sunbury, are doing it to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis and raise money to find a cure.
The genetic disease clogs organs such as the lungs and pancreas with thick mucus, which can cause lung damage, impair digestion and reduce life expectancy.
Mr Haines said people with the condition often needed to take a lot of medication to help them digest food and could need nebulisers and physiotherapy to help them clear their lungs and prevent lung damage.
Two of Mr Haines’ cousins have cystic fibrosis and, while it has not stopped them leading full lives, the condition has affected them.
“I’ve seen it all their lives, because they were born with it they just sort of push on,” Mr Haines said.
“They do everything that we do, but sometimes they’re operating at about 60 per cent.“It’s terrible to see them go through it.”
The runners will stop in regional towns along the route as they push to make it to Albury by May 27 for the town’s annual 65 Roses Day fundraising ball for cystic fibrosis research and support.
Mr Haines said the money raised would be split between Cystic Fibrosis Victoria and families affected by the condition.
The pair are seeking donations from the community and business sponsorship to help them make a difference.
For details, go to runforcf.com.au
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