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A 10-person group committed to running four marathons in 44 days commenced their third marathon in Brisbane this morning, raising funds and awareness for veterans charity Bravery Trust as part of the fourth annual Bravery Trek.
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The dedicated volunteers began their mammoth task in early September, where they ran their first marathon in Canberra, incorporating all state capital avenues as a symbol to unite all Australians behind the veteran and ADF community.
Just two weeks later, they completed the Sydney Marathon on 17 September.
Commencing at 5am on Monday, 2 October, the team started the third marathon from the 42 for 42 Afghanistan Memorial Garden next to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. They will complete the marathon at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera.
The annual Bravery Trek raises funds and awareness for Bravery Trust to provide financial support to veterans and their families.
During the marathon, the group are wearing Collingwood gear as they run from Suncorp, through to the Gabba before following the Kokoda Trail to Mount Coot-Tha. Group leader and Bravery Trust ambassador Murray Bruce explained that the uniform choice was symbolic of the challenges facing ADF personnel, who deploy to enemy-held areas, and who can feel isolated when they’re back home.
“Military folk, when they are deployed overseas, they head into enemy territory. Sometimes when they come home, they might have the familiarity of home, but often there is still a sense of being a foreigner in their own country,” Bruce said.
“We’re highlighting their bravery back home and their struggle reconnecting into their own communities.
“For us, donning the opponent supporter gear is a way to show we understand the challenges faced by veterans, and remind our veterans there is support available through Bravery Trust for those who might need help.”
A veteran, Murray Bruce is a Bravery Trust Ambassador and vice-president at Leidos Australia. Leidos Australia is a foundation partner and major sponsor of the annual Bravery Trek.
Bravery Trek is an important fundraiser to help support members of Australia’s veteran community who are experiencing financial hardship, Bravery Trust chief executive officer Belinda Wilson added.
“We’re preventing homelessness – we are relieving that immediate pressure point for the family – and then our veteran-specific financial counsellors will work longer term with the family or the individual to create a pathway forward.
“We work with veterans and families to address the cause of their financial stress – it may be negotiating with banks to reduce debt, wipe debt, or to consolidate debt, and then our financial fitness coaches work with veterans on that longer-term approach.
“It’s the old adage of teaching a man to fish, we provide urgent support when needed but after that, take them on a journey to make sure that they are able to avoid or capable to deal with future crisis.”
Bravery Trust chair Garth Callender invited members of the community to join the Brisbane run to help support the community.
“This group is running four marathons in four states – but others are cycling their distance challenge using stationary exercise bikes on board ADV Cape Fourcroy; and we’ve even had one veteran run four marathons in 44 hours as part of the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc event in France!
“People like me are doing it at a slower pace, walking and running with my family, an average of 2 kilometres per day for the 44 days.
“The distance isn’t important; this is about every participant showing their respect for our veterans and the sacrifices made during service by veterans and their families and raising funds to help when some veterans fall on hard times.”
The Trek is an important way to normalise conversations around veterans’ financial wellbeing, Callender added.
“We know there is an intrinsic link between financial hardship and suicide, and through financial counselling and financial support, we can help to save lives.”
Bravery Trek is aligned to Veterans’ Health Week and runs through until 31 October. Register at www.braverytrek.com.au
