Sal Powell is a self-described ordinary Australian who has embarked upon the biggest challenge of her life, with the aim of raising money for neurological disease research.

The Racing the Planet series is known to be the most prestigious footrace in the world. This year it spans five deserts over four continents. Foundation supporter and Brisbane mother of three aims to be the first Australian to complete what is known as the Grand Slam Plus.

After years of putting the needs of others ahead of her own, Sal was struck by a yearning for more, which translated into a rekindled love of running. Vanquishing the six major marathons across the globe has led her to the Racing the Planet start line. The series consists of the Namib Race (Namibia), the Gobi March (Mongolia), the  Atacama Crossing (Chile), and The Last Desert (Antarctica). 2024 includes a fifth desert, the 20-year Race in Jordan.  Each desert footrace involves a traverse of 250 kilometres in seven days over rough terrain, with only a place in a tent and water provided.

So far Sal has ticked off the Namib Race, the Gobi March and the 20-year Race in Jordan. Tee Last Desert and the Atacama Crossing lie ahead.