A Newcastle runner will take on this weekend’s Hill to Harbour carrying more than just water and determination… he’ll be carrying a backpack filled with rocks. 

Mike Collins, head of marketing and communications at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), has created what he calls the “Sisyphus Challenge” to raise funds for life-saving medical research. 

For every $100 donated, he adds one kilogram of rocks to his pack. 

The Hill to Harbour is one of Newcastle’s most popular fun runs that draws thousands of participants each year along a scenic route from the hills to the harbour foreshore. 

For Collins, it’s another opportunity to combine creativity, community spirit and a bit of personal discomfort in the name of a serious cause. 

With strong early support, he is set to carry 21 kilograms across the 12-kilometre course on Sunday 29 March. 

“I’m running in the Hill to Harbour for lifesaving medical research at HMRI,” Collins said. 

“This year we’re looking for 100 people to join Team HMRI and we’re aiming to raise $20,000.”

“One of my mates that I’ve known since kindergarten donated $300. 

“I thought he’d accidentally added an extra zero to $30 but no… his motivation was absolutely to see if he could break me over 12 kilometres.”

Collins is no stranger to turning heads at the annual event. 

Last year he ran dressed in an inflatable germ suit, drawing laughs and curiosity from fellow runners and spectators while collecting donations along the way. 

“Doing the extra little bits is a really good way to get people interested in donating to a cause they otherwise wouldn’t,” he told the Newcastle Weekly. 

In 2026, however, the visual impact will be harder to ignore as his backpack grows heavier with each contribution. 

The challenge is part of a broader push by Team HMRI to recruit 100 runners and raise $20,000 to support research into cancer, mental health, infection prevention and other critical health issues affecting the Hunter region and beyond. 

Collins says the symbolic nature of the rocks, each one representing community support is what makes the challenge meaningful. 

“Every kilo in that bag represents someone who’s backed medical research and wants to see better outcomes for people in our region,” he said. 

While the physical task will be demanding, Collins hopes the stunt will spark conversations about the importance of medical research funding and encourage more people to get involved.

Donations to support the Sisyphus Challenge and Team HMRI can be made online, with each $100 adding another kilogram to the load he will carry across the finish line.

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• Pacific National collaboration drives operational growth at Mai-Wel Enterprises

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