IRAQ100: Running for Belonging

What happens when endurance meets empathy? For Tim Buxton and Mario Buchs, Iraq100 was never about medals or finish lines. It was about meaning. A 100-mile ultramarathon through Iraq, built on courage, connection and purpose.

We caught up with both Tim and Mario to hear what it meant to return, run and redefine what belonging really looks like.

The Origins of You Belong

“You Belong was born out of my family’s years living and working in Iraq during the ISIS crisis,” says Tim. “We were surrounded by people who had lost everything, yet somehow found a way to keep giving, keep believing and keep belonging. When we returned to Australia, we wanted to create a movement that didn’t just help refugees survive here but helped them thrive.”

The Iraq100 forms part of the global Move 2 Belong campaign, raising awareness and funds to empower refugees through education, employment and community.

Returning to Iraq

For Tim, the run carried deep personal meaning. “It’s where we raised three of our four children, and where we witnessed unimaginable resilience in the face of the worst atrocities known to humanity. Coming back to run 100 miles through those same mountains wasn’t just a physical challenge. It was an act of remembrance and hope.”

The Coach’s Perspective

Mario, who served as the official ultra running coach, shared what drew him to the project. “As a friend, an ultra enthusiast and someone who has travelled most of my life, this was just what my soul needed. Doing something good for refugees and helping normal humans do extraordinary things came naturally.”

His holistic approach to coaching helped prepare runners for the mental and physical test ahead. “Preparation starts in everyday life,” he says. “I guide my athletes on nutrition, sleep, how to deal with stress and how to train around their lifestyle. We’re all capable of great things if we believe in it.”

Running With Purpose

For both men, the Iraq100 was never about performance alone.
“It’s not about chasing a medal,” says Tim. “It’s about inviting others into a story far bigger than ourselves. Every mile carried the stories of refugees rebuilding after loss and communities choosing welcome over fear.”

Mario agrees. “Purpose comes from our inner self and drives us when our ‘why’ is strong. I followed my heart throughout this whole journey.”

Moments That Moved Them

One of the most powerful moments came early in the run. “With about 30 kilometres complete, I was hit with heat exhaustion,” Tim recalls. “As I lay under a tree, unsure if I could continue, my son Charlie sat beside me, put his arm around me and whispered, ‘Well, you did say this was never going to be a walk in the park.’ He then joined me for the final five kilometres to the Erbil Citadel. That moment reminded me why we’re doing this. It’s about endurance, yes, but also human connection and compassion.”

For Mario, the heat offered its own lesson. “When we ran under a water hose at 42°C, a total stranger had realised our struggle and came out to help. That small act of kindness summed up the heart of Iraq: generosity, hospitality and humanity.”

The Impact Beyond the Finish Line

Funds raised through Iraq100 support refugee-led programs that empower former refugees, or “Waymakers,” to lead and mentor others. “Every dollar goes to programs that create independence,” says Tim. “Driver mentoring, women’s leadership, small business training and community initiatives that build belonging from the inside out.”

But the impact doesn’t stop there. The team is creating a documentary to share the journey and its stories with the world. “Real success will be seeing those stories reach hearts around the world and spark compassion, generosity and belonging.”

A Global Call to Action

While this year’s Move 2 Belong campaign has officially wrapped up, the mission continues. “The best way people can help is by supporting our fundraising goal at Move2Belong.com,” says Tim. “Once the documentary is released, we’d love runners everywhere to watch it, share it and help spread the message."

Mario adds, “Rally your run clubs. Organise awareness runs. Share the stories. Or simply run with strangers. Every step helps build connection and belonging.”

Endurance, Empathy and Belonging

“I think our world is at a breaking point,” Tim reflects. “We’re more divided and disconnected than ever. But empathy takes training too. Belonging is something we choose and build together, step by step and act by act. If our story inspires people to endure a little longer, listen a little deeper and include a little wider, then we’ve done something worthwhile.”

Mario sums it up best: “Unity through running is about that primal connection. Moving as one. Feeling part of something bigger than ourselves.”