My longest run ever - Retracing the footsteps of a murderer (Ep 1)

A BLOODY LONG RUN - EPISODE 1: In 1864 the mass murdering pastoralist Angus McMillan cut an ambitious 220km path through the mountains between two remote gold mining towns in the heart of Victoria, Australia. 120 years later a group of bushwalkers stitched the trail back together. When I found out about the track I decided to run it, thinking ‘gee, this track has a story to tell’! Running 73 km a day for three days over steep, often unmarked terrain, and having grown up thinking McMillan was a colonial hero, there was a lot of terrain, and thinking, to be absorbed. I’d finally embarked on a running adventure that wasn’t just about running.
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Produced and Directed by
BEAU MILES
Produced and Edited by
MITCH DRUMMOND
Produced by
JODI EVANS
Everyone needs a Charlie
CHARLIE SHOWERS
Filmed by
MITCH DRUMMOND
BRETT CAMPBELL
CHRIS ORD
BEAU MILES
Final Sound Mix
JAMES DOBSON
Colour Correction
LUCY CAWOOD
--
Goodonya
PATAGONIA for their support.
The KURNAI ELDERS: Cheryl Drayton, Sanra Mullett, Pauline Mullett & Russell Mullett.
The BEN CRUCHAN WALKING CLUB for maintaining sections of the track.
HELEN & MAY
KELLY DUNSTAN
STUART DAVIS
ASICS

[@joemee7970]

Hey Beau - and greetings from the south coast of the UK! A bit of a random message, I know. But I just wanted to say thank you. Back in August of 2021, my wife and I were expecting our first daughter, Margot. Everything went so well during the pregnancy, and we couldn’t wait to be parents. The 15th August arrived, and my wife and I went to her midwife appointment as it was her due date, and we were waiting to hear if Margot would likely be born that day. As I waited in the car park (bloody COVID, I wasn’t allowed in) , I got called in by the midwife, who told us that she couldn’t find a heartbeat for my daughter. We then found out two hours later that Margot had passed away, days before she was meant to be born. The next few days were a blur, but my wife gave birth to our beautiful daughter and it was so magical, but so utterly world ending at the same time. I was lost. Not lost in a way that a lot of people throw the words about; but completely lost with the world. I did what most blokes do - make sure everyone else is okay and put on a brave face. But I was devastated. I felt like my world had come to a stop, and I couldn’t just patch this one up with a plaster, or a few nuts and bolts. When I was in that mindset, I stumbled across your channel. I’m not sure how, but the algorithm works in mysterious ways. Your calmness, humility, and sheer passion for story telling became a crutch for me. I would put your videos on, and just drift off from the world for 10 or 20 minutes. It relaxed me, made me laugh (which seemed like I never would again at the time), and allowed me to feel human again. My wife and I were blessed in November 2022 when we welcomed our second daughter into the world, Florrie. I now watch your videos on the TV, when she’s awake at 3am in the morning. She’s thriving - and I’m typing this at 00:30 after nipping to A&E with her after the little ones got tonsillitis. In short, and I’m waffling a bit, but somehow you have an ability to not just tell a story, but to connect with people. You and your ability helped me tremendously to feel normal back then, and still do to the day. Keep being you, and love to your family, Love Joe (a 6ft 2in, 240lb bloke from the UK)

[@BeauMiles]

Heartbreaking, Joe. You go get the next chapter mate. It's all we can do. Keep truckin'. Thanks for the note and story

[@huwtindall7096]

It takes a parent to truly realise what you must have gone through Joe. Heart breaking. If you are lucky enough to have another kid and it's a boy maybe you'll name him Beau :D

[@JaneDay]

Thanks Joe, now you are paying forwards hope and strength by trusting us with your experiences.

[@t0p-D]

Beautiful piece of writing, hope your family is well.

[@BeauMiles]

Far out, I wonder what happens! This is such a cliffhanger, I hope the ginger bloke ain't hurt! While we wait I'm putting up a few bits of bonus A BLOODY LONG RUN content on patreon (some is free, some is for paid members only), goodonyas! www.patreon.com/beaumiles

[@burningsociety9463]

you're keeping us hanging.. I have a feeling you make it though :D

[@kristianlawrence]

What a cliffhanger, hope you made it mate! 😉 Great title, and so good to seeing a public figure taking such a public stance on these things. A lot of drongos out there. And love to see all the consultation with elders. Great video!

[@Mark-ki7ic]

Making my knees hurt 😊

[@kirstyknockout]

Beau! Fortunately we know that you're alive and intact, but it's a bit of a worry! Hope it won't be ages til you release the next episode. Guess I have to head over to Patreon (is this perhaps your cunning plan?) 😅

[@werbnaright5012]

RIP

[@curtturtle]

In September last year I started to sort out my health. Your running videos are a massive inspiration. Since September I have gone from 142kg to 115kg and have run/jogged/walked/weezed over 785kms and counting. Cheers mate for the vids.

[@jonnywestmoreland3230]

Thats awesome bud, well done, keep at it!

[@fools_opinions]

Great effort, I truly hope you have success keeping it off. Best of luck for your journey 👍

[@elimik31]

Agree, great motivation that is not about racing, paces, fitness, but about enjoying being out there.

[@FesteringRatSub]

Good job, i have a tough story i am partly though but got the fitness stage to go

[@nathan9580]

Fair play mate!

[@ydant42]

"the anxieties are melting away because can I be nothing else than here right now" Pure poetry. It speaks to me.

[@eyesofnova]

I started following you in 2021. My life was in shambles, on the verge of divorce, and going through the worst depression I had experienced since I was teenager. I randomly found this Aussie bloke running around doing fun stuff that to a normal jagoff like myself would never do. I won't say that you single handedly helped pull me back up, but I will say you were a factor in this.

[@BeauMiles]

Go get it mate...thanks for the note. You got this.

[@deanbaxter79]

When people ask me who inspired me to start running and two names come to mind, Cameron Hanes and Beau Miles, my running friends mainly reply “who”? and my non running friends ask “bloody who”? Your trek on the AAWT inspired me to get out there and explore the unknown, keep up the great work Beaudy, keep inspiring mate.

[@lolsfacebook]

Mate check out Russ Cook aka The Hardest Geezer, currently running the entire length of Africa. He's filming the whole thing on KZbin. Definitely a worthwhile addition to your list

[@BlaseAnDerHand]

I totaly agree with you. Beau has something special. after watching his video, i always have the urge to run

[@HelgeStrichen]

No one gets asked who inspired them to start running, stop making Up stories on the Internet

[@Rufio1975]

​@@HelgeStrichen Quiet troll! Yaa! Back to the bridge for you.

[@advicepirate8673]

ah, the good old 'my very limited personal experience is indicative of the totality of human experience.' It stinks of narcissism. @@HelgeStrichen

[@Smokejumper92]

You put so much passion and love into these videos, it's an incredibly sad and tragic history, but it absolutely must be remembered.

[@BeauMiles]

I think you're right Smoke J. Ta for watching

[@sam.offduty]

I’m only a few minutes in, and really appreciate the way you’re tackling everything. Clearly, a lot of thought and intention behind it all. Looking forward to watching the run!

[@BeauMiles]

thanks Sam. Nice to hear

[@Dan-TheOracle]

maybe a lot of thought but not a lot of research sadly. the indians he speak of were brought out as labourers from india in the 1600's and went on to genocide the native pigmy completely. look up lake mungo man to see this is obviously true. this is just the latest marxist propaganda trying to ruin this country.

[@Dylan_Archer]

Your channel has very quickly became my favourite! The storytelling is awesome and well above what I have come to expect on KZbin. On ya Beau and team, keep it up!

[@BeauMiles]

Thanks DA

[@adamhauntsplants]

I love that Beau doesn't mince words. Call a murderer a murderer.

[@Wysgas]

gosh darn you and your team are AMAZING story tellers! The running aside, this whole production is so impressive!!

[@Kingofdafarm21]

You cheeky little scamp ending on that cliff hanger !!! Looking forward to the next one , presumably you survived 😅

[@BeauMiles]

He's doing ok, I hear.

[@GetWetIBlade]

As a Swede, I can’t grasp how you can do anything in 34 degrees celcius. We just had -36 degrees here the other day. Now when I mention it, seeing Beau run in northern Sweden during winter would be fun! Heck, you can even stay at our place mate!

[@GMAC-eo6oi]

As someone who was at the Jindivick secret screening where this video was shown last year, you and your editors have done a great job of incorporating that history into this vid. Cant wait for part 2!!

[@BeauMiles]

Ta GMAC

[@Bobbyblack6]

No one makes videos like you do mate. Without fail they invoke emotions in my I seldom feel. Your cinematography is levels above KZbin and on par with some of the best films out there. From the choice of music, the shots you choose and the tone of voice of the voiceovers... It all comes together beautifully. Pat your team and yourself on the back.

[@MrKobayashi]

So many things to contemplate on this one Beau. You know its going to be bad whn you can atart feeling the lactic acid and you've still such a long way to go. Well, you' ve also given me something historical to read about. One of those things that we can never go back on and repair... The oast is always painful for someone... Glad youve brought it to us.

[@BeauMiles]

Thanks Rey

[@jab4productions425]

A BEAU MILES VIDEO IDEA* unblocking every blocked drain i pass whilst running in the rain.

[@astridproudfoot]

Hey there Beau, I've been living in the UK for about 5 years now. I never meant to stay, it just kind of happened that way. Nothing makes my heart ache, or puts a smile on my face as surely your videos do. You've got a wonderful way of weaving that intangible sense of Australia, specifically Victoria (I'm a Melbourne kid) into your videos. Just a big thank you, for doing what you do with such grace and bushland style. Thanks, mate.

[@DOfAus]

Beau this has got to be one of the best videos you've published in awhile, and that's saying something. There's so much history about our area that I am ignorant too. Appreciate you bringing some of our local history to light. Has made me want to do some more research into Gippsland, teach my kids are what's come before us.

[@TheWeedyGarden]

Always love to see a new video from you mate. Thanks for your great storytelling 👍

[@Loogiemistress]

Hi Weedy!

[@TheWeedyGarden]

@@Loogiemistress 👋🏻

[@BrentusMusket]

I don't know what it is and your ability to make the most clickable (not clickbait) titles and actually deliver on them. Such a insightful and intuitive film, thanks Beau - love from Tauranga Moana, New Zealand

[@BeauMiles]

Ta BM (good initials matey) Boomerang (sentiment)

[@BrentusMusket]

too right mate, appreciate you shedding some light on the truthful side of coloniasm, NZ has got a lot better with this recently in the past decade or two too@@BeauMiles

[@rubysyoutube321]

Thanks for shining light on the truth of the situation in a respectful, educational and entertaining way. Goodonya Beau 👍 Excited to see the next episode.

[@BeauMiles]

Ta ruby. Ta for watching.

[@Dan-TheOracle]

except its not the truth. go research lake mungo man and the dutch of the 1600's who brought out indians to australia who genocided the native pigmys.

[@NamelesshunterGaming]

Beau, you help me get stuff done, whenever you have a new video I tell myself I can watch it as soon as I finish -any task I have been postponing-, you get me straight to work and its always a treat to watch the video afterwards.

[@mythorath]

The cliffhanger though... Can't wait to see the next part. Love your work.

[@BeauMiles]

ta matey

[@mythorath]

@@BeauMiles Side note: thanks for motivating me to become more active and seek adventures. You're a true role model, thanks for being so awesome Beau!

[@Ryzi03]

You're a deadset legend mate! I've had the McMillans on my radar for a while now, good to see some coverage on the track! The AAWT is also at the top of my list to check off in the next few years thanks to you! Looking forward to the rest of the series!

[@DaC10101]

42km, well that’s about 26.2 miles. But 220km, that’s Beau Miles

[@UrbanRockDove]

Now this is an interesting one! Great stuff as always man Really enjoying it 👌

[@BeauMiles]

Thanks Urban

[@seanogrady2908]

alpine decision making and postcolonial rage are my two favourite things. cheers for another banger beau.

[@DanielVidz]

A bloody long run A bloody great video. Keep up the nice work Kramer 👍

[@_dimsimjim]

*Newman

[@madbiach]

What a cliffhanger! Can't wait for the rest of the series, amazing as always!!

[@BeauMiles]

Ta Mad

[@disaannecooper-asperin6415]

...aha...he is alive😅😊

[@Griffdoggshreddy]

I love the fact beau spends so much time perfecting his films for our enjoyment. I don’t mind if it was filmed 3 minutes ago or 10 years. He makes his videos entertaining and enjoyable. ❤

[@beez8888]

10 days ! Blimey Beau mate this is excruciating......................

[@GregoryLevas]

You are the teacher we needed growing up.. outdoors and and doing something active with your body is fenomenally good for a good life 🙏 mother earth be with ya!

[@TheWeedyGarden]

Strong story! I love it and bloody well told.

[@chantsmantrasandrelaxation5079]

Does he survive? Will we ever know what happened? Will he end up with statues built praising his incredible feat of conquering the Australian bush? Will his legend be taught to Aussie kids in school? What lies can we perpetuate to increase his subscriber numbers to over 1 million as he so deserves for such fantastic content? Thanks Beau for this banger, damn you for this cliffhanger.

[@jackbinding4323]

If you do want to know - he has a mini series of podcast episodes, the one with his mum in it, they talk about this run a bit

[@alexrogers777]

I hear Beau was the first person to run around the whole of Australia. Heard he rescued an orphanage full of kids from a fire too

[@joshuabennett2087]

@@jackbinding4323 where do you find the podcasts mate?

[@cleefy92]

I don't know how I stumbled across your channel, or even when I stumbled across your channel. But I'm bloody glad I did!

[@BeauMiles]

Nice to have you here Cleefy

[@cleefy92]

@@BeauMiles every single video you release is simply must watch. And I'm not the type inclined to bushwalk, run or camp. You are an amazing storyteller.

[@maccacino2]

"his reliability gives me plenty of time to get lost". 12:55 Beau, you are an absolute legend. Trim that beard mate and get back out there!

[@shepherd6473]

I'm always so grateful to see a new video! Thank you, Beau!

[@burrdaddy]

As always, great story telling. Wonderful topic that needs to told much more. Wonderful to hear from your support team. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@JGH2015Sara]

Watching this channel makes me feeling better in this time of the world!! Thank you so much Beau!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@phillipaaldridge5048]

This is amazing!! I am going to use this in my wellbeing class at school to start the year off. Doing hard things, talking with kindness to yourself when you make a mistake, humility and grit. All the right stuff we need our young people to see. Desperate for episode two!!!!

[@froggygirl999]

thank you for acknowledging the *_true_* history of Australia

[@Jacobtheunwise]

The only thing I don't like about the true history is the way it was remembered over time it's changed like Chinese whispers. Who knows the aboriginals true history and how vast their knowledge an population were

[@twiggys4x4touring]

If an elder says its true it must be true 😂😂😂

[@Jossarianz]

Both histories are true

[@stefanpreiss2657]

NZ crew checking in

[@mymateian]

Beau, you’re a mean man. How can you make us wait so long for part 2! 11 days and waiting! 😢

[@blainebowe6917]

Wow! Top notch film. Can’t wait for the follow up!

[@drewguttormson9368]

Love it when a new Beau video comes out! Thank you for creating these stories.

[@thenosebleedkid]

Beau I know this is really a minor question - but who makes your maps - they are so good and add so much context to the distance, country and journey.

[@ramenzwagermam4193]

Really proud of this journey and story you are telling. Gippsland born and unaware of this history.

[@stewartfalk1977]

Thank you Beau for sharing the truth of your local landscape which shares that of similar stories right across Australia, you're approach is always respectful and well thought out.

[@hob5]

Beau mate do you know about the Hardest Geezer? Bloke from my way in the UK, south coast. Currently ~270 days into his run across Africa, from bottom to top. A style you share with your canoe. If you haven't, look him up. Even has similar genetics to you, down to the beard, hair, and their shared colour. Another top video mate, looking forward to the next ep.

[@watchimgo]

Your videos inspire me to tell more of the stories from my local lands (California). I really appreciate the quality of your story telling, cinematography, editing and music selection.

[@Britbec]

Flippin heck! What a cliffhanger. Such a well told narrative too. Thank you team!

[@ItsMarkAnthony]

Some tanlines on them feet Beau lad! Cheers for another belter of a video.

[@EthanMaxwellGraves]

We love you Beaudie. I hope you realize that these videos aren't just entertainment... they're inspiration. You bring out the best in me, and then leave it the fester for days. You are the living proof that you can make your hundred years on this earth feel like a thousand. Who wants to get old and still have gas in the tank? You inspire me to create a life that exhausts me.

[@BeauMiles]

Ta Beezy, I think. Go get em tiger. B

[@ausreflectindustries6107]

*G'Day from Cairns Beau - I've been following along since we slept in your gum tree.... love your humble, honest demeanour*

[@BeauMiles]

Ta mate

[@jeroen1989]

Seeing the terrain and elevation changes, I got major Berkley vibes...

[@user-qm2uw2vm2m]

Brilliant! I saw the secret screening of this and think the development of the story is fantastic! Yes the story is complex and confronting, but there is no point in avoiding it. Better to be out there and understood, acknowledge and come to better relationship - which is really what all your work is about. Reframing relationships.

[@TheCuzzosSot]

Love this! I am embarking on a 1145km walk through the Rockies coming May 2025! This gives me inspiration.

[@chasc301]

Good to catch up with Charlie. Top bloke👍🏽

[@robertholcomb6200]

Just had to remind myself THAT this is part one.... Dang dude! BEST

[@karenpeterson1882]

Beau you are kidding me!! what a cliff hanger. Being an ultra runner myself I have been on adventures such as yours. Not as grand but bush whacking just the same. Don't wait too long to drop number 2, please!

[@s10m0t10n]

Watching this from the other side of the world, thinking 'Damn McMillan for the atrocities he committed (and others like him, wherever they were)', then realising that without him, this event and it's consequent stories wouldn't have happened. Goodonya, Beau. Your videos are always a breath of fresh air and a source of thought and inspiration.

[@schana96]

You talking about it being hot, I was like "Huh? It's December. I mean I know it's Australia, but even there it should be quite mild in Wint- Oh yeah. That's why, never mind."

[@vinnymchale3914]

Greetings from Ireland. I love these videos. So innovative.

[@cstreet]

Yes, Beau! Your long-form solo excursions are what I come back for!

[@GoAlastair]

Ooooh a cliff hanger!!! The combination of endurance challenge and putting a spotlight on history is excellent. Thabks.

[@c3tosh685]

You're an inspiration @BeauMiles, this content inspires lots of people. Keep up the amazing work and outlook on life.

[@handulldtd]

That’s an amazing quote, “You don’t quite know what you’re capable of unless someone believes you’re capable of it more than yourself.”

[@BeauMiles]

That's good old Charlie boy for you.

[@joostkonijn3255]

Wow! What a way to add more suspense to the adventure cutting it right at that point. I'm glad it's not for commercials tho

[@stewartisaac2160]

You are an inspirational character and an absolute machine!! Very educational this one to. ❤❤❤ Champion 🏆

[@liammadden1499]

found your channel after searching for reviews on legionnaire's hats, found your run dedicated to your hat. I love that you are able to find challenge and adventure so close to home with a little look back in to history. Absolutely love your work!!

[@georgeparr5188]

The quality of these films is unmatched with anything else I’ve seen on KZbin. Tip-top

[@chillhilltravel9933]

Thanks Beau. Thanks for taking me back to those hills, and back in time to a place in history it seems we would rather forget, or not know about. Great story telling

[@meinthewild312]

Beau would definately be a candidate to do The Barclay Marathons in Frozen Head State Park, TN

[@kondoscendingredpanda]

bloody hell beau. you're a massive inspiration. i absolutely love watching your videos. take care of yourself, you bloody legend.

[@Casperr123]

Always a joy when Beau uploads 🎉

[@patdavidmusic]

Hooked! This is absolutely fascinating, the effort that you and your team have put into this video is incredible Beau!

[@BeauMiles]

Ta Pat D

[@northwall9243]

Amazing video as usual. Awful what colonials did to the world, but an amazing topic to make a run and video about. Goodonya!

[@thierry_ski591]

Every time beau posts something new it just makes my day🙌 Thanks beau!!

[@alexcrow2047]

Turns out you are human after all! What a grand group of guys you have on-site for support!

[@adamlovelee7596]

Another great video, your passion and enthusiasm, is inspiring. You're a good man and a great storyteller a joy to watch.

[@David-cw6pb]

Loving the way you tell the story of a place whilst sharing your adventures (warts and all). Great stuff!

[@meirionevans5137]

A history lesson and adventure built in. Win win! Charlie wise to be scared of fires.

[@paulbrown2971]

You’re a man of passion and inspiration. Quality storytelling. Thanks, Beau!

[@sheskis613]

Hey man, really appreciate you mentioning conferring with Elders about how best to approach the land and story. Seems like it set you on an interesting path of learning both metaphorically and literally. Love the cliffhanger and hoping it's all good from some 3 years in the future!

[@NarrowRoad0807]

Those ridges and valleys remind me of my home here in the Appalachian mountains, USA.

[@HillDogTV]

youre one of a kind man. big inspo. keep it up

[@l.n.4929]

The images of the burned hills are extremely horrific. The storystelling is terrific as always.

[@Jonas-nk2sl]

Thanks for being the inspiration for me to start running ❤

[@allisonians]

Thank you for posting! Yay!

[@John.mcdermott]

Hiya Beau, I've never been much of a runner myself, but I found your channel around last June and you've got me hooked. I was fanatic for all of 3 months and did an event called the OMM (in the UK). I've been slacking recently but I think this might have inspired me to head out this weekend so thank you!

[@twinter7540]

Beau, you make some absolutely amazing stuff. The way that you tell these stories, from the big and small, from pumpkins to mountains is inspiring. Thanks to your videos, I look for little adventures throughout my life and its deeply enriched my world and life experiences. Can't wait for part two!

[@charliehopkins4737]

You are an incredible human being. Good buggers on the support crew too.

[@luapzirkon1279]

This is absolutely amazing! I've been watching your videos for quite some time and i must say it's amazing how you're capable of producing fascinating stories in such a compelling way over and over again. Your level of story telling is out of this world. Thanks alot for the amazing content Beau!

[@craigc6856]

A cliffhanger! How could you!

[@spencerlord444]

Your anazing beau, never stop showing alot of us your story and the great content we are lucky enough to see through your eyes. Amazing and just plainly supberb.

[@janejenkins5137]

As a freckled person in the UK, who can't cope with UK summers, I don't think I could cope with the sun in Australia

[@JeremyDawesJezweb]

You need a lot of zinc sun cream 🥵

[@petervisi5369]

Just can't wait for the next one. I might have to exhaust my excitement with a run, but then, I might miss it. I think what a lot of content missing is story telling, but never your one. Goodonya mate.

[@BeauMiles]

Thanks Pete. Cheers for being here mate

[@davidaxman]

Having never run further than around 30k in one day and in a lot cooler weather it is pretty incredible to see you run along in the heat and terrain. Also as usual, a great video!

[@losersincorporated4379]

Mate you have me on the edge of my seat for the next episode ! Such a strong inspiration and Australian to look up to.. keep it up !!!