When You Belong founder Tim Buxton set foot on the blistering roads of Iraq for a gruelling multi-day ultra-marathon, it wasn't for the personal challenge. It was to shed light on the journey of courage, resilience, and struggle that refugees face every day — a journey that, as he discovered, doesn't end once they've escaped danger.
“You know, there's nothing more powerful than the families and refugees — the people we call ‘makers’ — who make their way here to Australia to rebuild their lives,” he shared. “These are families and individuals that our organisation serves on a weekly basis. The courage it takes for them to continue their journey, even though they've left a place they love... It’s inspiring.”
The run was as symbolic as it was physically punishing — an ultra-endurance challenge through the searing heat and rugged terrain of Northern Iraq, all to raise funds and awareness for You Belong, a grassroots organisation supporting refugee resettlement and integration in Australia.
"That First Day Nearly Broke Me"
The run was meant to reflect the long, painful journey of displacement — one marked not just by distance, but by deep emotional and physical suffering. On Day One, Tim Buxton came dangerously close to collapsing.
“It was over 40 degrees, probably hotter with the sun reflecting off the concrete and truck exhaust all around us,” he recalled. “I got heatstroke. I couldn’t see properly. I was dizzy, vomiting, and couldn’t keep fluids down. They wanted to put me in the ambulance.”
But the mission was personal — and emotional. just before the race began, Mr Buxton was reunited with an old friend and community leader from the Shabak ethnic minority — the first family You Belong had supported after fleeing ISIS. That reunion gave him the strength to carry on.
“I thought I wouldn’t make it. I was genuinely scared that if I stopped, I wouldn’t be able to start again,” he said. “But my son just held my hand and walked with me. He ended up running 15km that day after already doing his part of the run. He got me through.”
Tim Buxton's son Charlie comforting his father Credit: Matt Willingham
While the physical challenges were daunting — with extreme heat, wild dogs, and even a rare condition called rhabdomyolysis (which forced him to stop every 5km on the final day due to blood in his urine) — Mr Buxton says the true difficulty lay in the emotional resonance of what the run represented.
“What really hit home for me was understanding that the journey isn't over even after someone escapes a war zone. The adrenaline might get you out, but then comes the grief, the loss, the long process of rebuilding. And the truth is — no one can do it alone.”
Unlike the refugees who often flee with no support, Mr Buxton had a full crew — water bearers, a police escort, medical backup. “Waymakers,” as he calls them, are not always so fortunate. “That’s why we do what we do at You Belong. Refugees need help every step of the way.”
Tim Buxton and team Credit: Matt Willingham
The run was part of a fundraising goal to raise $100,000 for You Belong’s continuing work in Australia. So far, they've raised $45,000. The funds support a wide range of services for newly arrived refugee families, especially women.
“We’ve got women getting free driving lessons from local mentors. Community ‘Cook to Connect’ classes where locals learn recipes from refugee women — it’s an incredible cultural exchange. And of course, English classes and ongoing community events.”
While the run made headlines locally in Iraq and was picked up by several media outlets in Australia such as yourself (SBS Kurdish), the team knows the job isn’t done yet.
“We set a goal of $100,000. We’re not there yet. The work continues every single day.”
Tim Buxton during his marathon in Kurdistan Region, Iraq Credit: Matt Willingham
Despite the physical toll, Mr Buxton is already thinking about what’s next. The response from the running community and supporters has been strong, and there's talk of another Iraq Run in the future.
“A lot of people have said, ‘I’d love to do something like that — tell me more.’ So yeah, stay tuned. Watch this space.”
For now, the message is clear: the journey of a refugee is long, painful, and ongoing. But with empathy, support, and action, the burden can be shared — step by step.
“I gave it everything I could. And so many people gave with me — people cheering from the sidelines, donating, and supporting. We made an impact. But we’re not done yet.”
Tim Buxton and team are congratulated for completing the marathon Credit: Matt Willingham
