PLEASE NOTE: Images will be available on the Lake Illawarra PD page.
A NSW Police officer has returned to duty this week, after a mammoth physical feat to raise money for children at risk.
Lake Illawarra Police District's Detective Senior Constable Jason Quigley ran seven marathons, across seven states, in seven consecutive days, to raise funds as part of Bravehearts 777 Marathon. Bravehearts is a not-for-profit organisation helping prevent child sexual harm or abuse and the Bravehearts 777 Marathon program is now in its 10th year.
From, Monday 1 July until Sunday 7 July, Jason ran the 42.2km races in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Launceston, Sydney, Canberra and the Gold Coast - clocking his fastest time at just over 3 hours and 30 mins on the Gold Coast, during the final marathon.
Incredibly, Detective Senior Constable Quigley only took up running seriously, two years ago.
"I wanted to run a marathon before I turned 42 and I started really seriously running in 2022 and I became addicted to it and I haven't stopped. A lot of preparation goes into this event, I ran around 650 kilometres a month," Senior Constable Quigley said.
"Unfortunately I came down with a virus in the lead up to the first race, so that added an extra challenge as my energy levels were depleted but I pushed through and completed all 7 marathons, with the support of an amazing group of runners, support crew, and my family."
The 43-year-old raised more than $24,000 for Bravehearts, well above his goal of $11,000, thanks to generous support from the local community and businesses.
"It was certainly tough, but it is nothing compared to the horrible situations some children face, who are subjected to sexual abuse or harm. I see it first-hand as a detective, so that was front of mind when I was battling the tougher races. Knowing I was raising money for the incredible work Bravehearts does and knowing the amazing support from local businesses and the community, all of that combined is what kept me going."
There is no slowing him down, with Jason already committing to the Bravehearts 777 Marathons in 2025.
