Fun Run raises more than $150,000 for Legacy
Army’s second annual Run Army community fun run raised more than $150,000 for Legacy to support veterans and their families.
CAPTION: Australian Army soldiers start the 10km Run Army event in Brisbane on Sunday, 24 April 2022. Story by Major Mark Beretta. Photo by Corporal Sagi Biderman.
A major fundraiser for Legacy, Run Army was inspired by similar big community runs organised in north America by the US Marines and Canadian Army.
During the Anzac Day long weekend, 3500 serving personnel ran alongside families and the public through Brisbane’s CBD on April 24, while more than 1000 participants took part in the run virtually in their home locations across Australia, tripling the size of the event in its second year.
It was supported by Army’s people and equipment, with an ARH Tiger putting on an aerial display for the runners and walkers, as well as armoured vehicles and artillery lining the route for families and the public to enjoy.
Marathon legend and Run Army Patron Rob De Castella joined the Army Band to rev up the crowd at the start line in Alice Street.
A race village at Riverstage had displays and sponsor stands to let runners relax and catch up after their run.
Chief of Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr addressed the runners and walkers before starting them off.
“After having our people doing so much in the community, with fires, floods and COVID over the past year, this is a great way to come back together in a positive way, appropriately on Anzac weekend,” Lieutenant General Burr said.
It was also the culmination of the national Running Change program, which encourages personnel to either take up, or get back into running after a break. Hundreds of Running Change participants achieved their goal of running either the 5 km or 10 km event, many after overcoming long-term injuries or fitness challenges.
Army’s Sergeant Kieren Perkins had a convincing win in the 10 km event, in 31m:22s. Private Murphy Rankin was the women’s winner in 36m:37s. The 5 km event was won for the men by Corporal Cameron Dixon in 16m:40s, while Ms Olivia Lennon took out the women’s in 18m:13s.
After a positive inaugural event in 2021, the Run Army planning team worked closely with Queensland Police, the Queensland Government, and the Brisbane City Council to open the event to public participation and move it from Enoggera to the Brisbane CBD.
Run Army President Major General Jake Ellwood said the event was a great success.
“It’s a fantastic event. We’re really happy with the response of both local brigades and the Brisbane people,” Major General Ellwood said.
“The support has been brilliant, and it’s done so much to connect Army with the local community, and also help Legacy to continue their important work with Defence families.”
Plans are already underway for Run Army 2023, set to take place on Sunday April 23, again in Brisbane.
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