GALLIPOLI Barracks in Brisbane was opened up for a good cause today, raising funds for Legacy through the Australian Army's newest health and fitness initiative - Run Army.
Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester said over 800 Australian Army personnel, Defence workers and civilians gathered today to participate in the inaugural fun run for either the 5km or 10km course.
"As a passionate runner myself, I appreciate the mental and physical health benefits exercise provides and it is great to see our Army personnel partnering with ex-service community and raising funds for Legacy," Mr Chester said.
"Congratulations to all those who participated today and I look forward to this program expanding to other bases across the country."
The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr was joined by world champion marathon runner, Director of the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, Robert de Castella, to start the run.
LTGEN Burr said Run Army would be an annual event that promotes resilience, health and wellbeing not just among the Army, but also in the broader community.
"Running can be quite challenging and daunting for many people - particularly over longer distances and when soldiers are returning from injury, illness or periods of leave," LTGEN Burr said.
"Run Army aims to promote running and its health benefits, while also supporting the important work Legacy does to help the families of our veterans."
Legacy CEO Brendan Cox said this support would make a big impact on the lives of our veterans' families, who are suffering after the death or injury of their loved one.
"We're proud to be partnering with the Australian Army to bring Run Army to Brisbane, and look forward to an even bigger event next year," Mr Cox said.
The Run Army 10km run was also the culmination of a new eight-week resilience program for soldiers called Running Change, being piloted in Brisbane.
"Running Change is an exciting new program that develops mental resilience, and enhances personal physical and mental wellness by incorporating running and exercise into your lifestyle. The program includes a gentle graduated running program coupled with sports psychology, physiotherapy and sports nutrition support," LTGEN Burr said.
Former world champion marathon runner, Robert de Castella, said he was pleased to be involved with Run Army and helping promote a sport he loves.
"Run Army is a great initiative to encourage people from all backgrounds to start running. The Indigenous Marathon Foundation has used running for the last 11 years to promote healthy lifestyles, and to instil self-worth and pride across our Indigenous communities. We have seen the incredible benefits that something simple such as running can achieve.
"I look forward to working with the Australian Army so that together we can help change lives through running."
The Australian Army plans to expand Run Army and the Running Change program to other bases across Australia in the latter part of 2021.
