Donna Urquhart

Monash University

Donna Urquhart is a pain scientist, physiotherapist, Associate Professor at Monash University, and world record-holding endurance athlete whose work and life embody the true meaning of ELEVATE.

In January 2024, Donna achieved a Guinness World Record for the longest run in a polar region, covering an extraordinary 1402km over 28 days in Antarctica—the coldest, windiest, and driest desert on earth. More than a feat of physical endurance, this lifelong dream became a powerful demonstration of human potential, showing that extraordinary performance and growth is not reserved for the naturally gifted, but is accessible to anyone willing to challenge their limits.

As a pain scientist, Donna integrated evidence-based physical training with cutting-edge psychological strategies, drawing on her academic expertise to perform in one of the harshest environments on the planet. Her Antarctic experience offers valuable insights into resilience, adaptability, and performance under extreme stress in highly demanding conditions.

Donna’s expedition also became a global platform for impact. Through the Run Antarctica campaign, she raised awareness of the concerning statistic that up to 50% of young people drop out of sport during their teenage years. The campaign reached over 950 million people worldwide and generated more than 1,000 media publications, amplifying an urgent call to support lifelong participation in sport.

Donna is passionate about helping girls and women embrace sport and physical activity in their lives and explore their potential. Through education and community, Donna is working toward a future where sport and physical activity become a powerful vehicle for cultivating physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.