Brendan is running the 42.2km course in the Dubbo Stampede for his 15-year-old son Luke, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Through Run 4 Autism, Brendan hopes to raise money and awareness about living with ASD.

“It’s a cause very close to home,” he said. 

“With autism there’s a bit of stigma so I just want to get out there and say ‘look this is what it’s about’ and promote a bit of empathy.”

Brendan has already surpassed his fundraising target of $1000, raising $1800 for Aspect which supports families who have children living with ASD.

He has been training for the past four months, waking sometimes at 3am to run 30km in sub-zero temperatures.

While he has run four half-marathons in the past 12 months, this will be Brendan’s first full marathon, and he said he felt ready to “step up”.

“It’s been a lifelong goal to run a marathon but I’ve never felt that I could,” he said. 

“I’m pushing myself so I can maybe inspire someone else to do it or to just start running and promote a healthier lifestyle.”

He won’t be alone on Sunday either with his eight-year-old daughter Claire running the 5km event.

Brendan’s wife Tracy was also planning on running this weekend but after an injury will now be joining the cheer squad on the sidelines. 

The Dubbo Stampede starts and ends at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo with entrants able to take part in four events. 

To help contribute to Brendan’s fundraising go to http://run4autism.gofundraise.com.au/page/brendanturner71.