Army running for a purpose
Under the north-Queensland sun, Run Army Townsville had a huge turnout for their inaugural event on 21 April.
CAPTION: Australian Army soldiers from the 3rd Brigade begin Run Army Townsville 2023 at Jezzine Barracks in Townsville, Queensland. Photo by Lance Corporal Riley Blennerhassett.
More than 1500 members from 3rd Brigade and local Townsville citizens participated in the 5km running event.
Run Army promotes resilience, health and wellbeing across Australia to raise funds for Northern Queensland Legacy.
Senior Health Officer at Headquarters 3rd Brigade Lieutenant Colonel Kylie Hasse said it was encouraging to see how many participants came to the first Run Army Townsville.
“With the large numbers we’ve seen today, it shows we’re just as passionate about our fitness as we are about warfighting,” Lieutenant Colonel Hasse said.
“This is a great opportunity for the Townsville community to see service members come together to run for an important cause, while also demonstrating we’re a fit force.
“Events like this do a lot to support local businesses along the Townsville Strand, as well as raise a great amount for Northern Queensland Legacy.”
More than $28,000 was raised for Legacy, which will go towards supporting families of injured or fallen Australian Defence Force personnel.
CEO Northern Queensland Legacy Nicole Hayes said the funds raised will go a long way to continue providing support to veterans and their families.
“Whether you’re in service or have family members in service, Legacy is something that’s meaningful to everyone,” Ms Hayes said.
“This money will help us to continue the programs that we undertake to support more than 650 individuals across the local community.”
Captain Eliza Brewer, of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, regularly participates in Run Army events and said it was great to finally run with the locals.
“I have served as a welfare officer previously, therefore I do recognise the importance of initiatives such as Northern Queensland Legacy,” Captain Brewer said.
“There’s a lot of great resources and agencies like Legacy.
“It was a great feeling coming out here to raise money and support them.”
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