Classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system on the planet and home to an incredibly diverse array of life however, due to environmental factors from climate change, the reef is facing major, irreversible damage.
run4reef is an international event spanning 21 cities across both Australia and New Zealand, that brings together more than 100,000 runners with a single mission of running as one in the name of helping protect the Great Barrier Reef. The event is the world’s first simultaneous running event, leveraging world-leading timing technology to unite thousands of runners of all abilities across 1km, 5km and 10km fun runs, and a special elite 10km run.
And now, run4reef is calling on those from both sides of the ditch to come together. Runners from all cities be connected through large format digital screens located onsite at all the running events, streaming a simultaneous race updates and live-cross vision from all events – helping runners from all over feel part of a global mission.
run4reef registrations will raise much-needed funds to help protect the Reef, including developing restoration programs like the innovative ‘plant a coral’ initiative.
Funds raised directly from event registrations and peer-to-peer fundraising will go to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. The international event stems from humble beginnings which run4reef Race Director and Olympian Steve Moneghetti said played a big role in the vision today.
“Running has been the fastest growing recreation in the last 10 years, mostly because it’s so simple. The sport has always had a simple formula of a person and their pair of runners and within this simplicity, we saw the potential to add in an action, a global climate action. Adding a reason to run not only gets more people involved but it transforms a heavily individual sport into one where people are connected,” Mr Moneghetti explained.
“We first started our run for the Reef events locally in Port Douglas back in 2013 where we hosted a marathon festival with the local community but adding this larger cause to a simple run really resonated with people.
“Since then, we’ve better understood the significant threats to the health of the Great Barrier Reef and have seen a major increase in the number of global citizens looking to make a change before it’s too late. We know now is the right time to bring people together and run as one to make a difference. The Great Barrier Reef truly is the barometer of climate change and we must act now.”
“This year, we can’t wait to see the first international run4reef event come to life. Whether people are looking for a fun casual run or an elite-level running event, we have really created something that anyone can get involved in.”
The events are supported by internationally acclaimed marine scientist and leading authority on coral reef science and conservation, Great Barrier Reef Foundation Chief Scientist Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, who said the Reef needs action now.
“The science has been clear for a long time – climate change is the number one threat to the Great Barrier Reef,” Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said.
“Acting to reduce global emissions to zero over the coming decade is an absolute imperative.”
He went on to emphasize that there is no other way to call it, the future of the Great Barrier Reef is now on a knife-edge.
“Developing technologies for strategically reseeding damaged reef systems is a must as we also rapidly stabilize the climate. Not acting is not an option, we must act now to save the Great Barrier Reef as a bastion of Australia’s biodiversity and economic opportunity.”
Both the Queensland and Australian Government are in full support of the events to ignite global awareness of climate action support for the country’s most treasured natural wonders. The event also promises to be plastic-free without major banners and handouts.
The inaugural event has attracted significant global corporate support headlined by evdirect.com (EV Direct) who have signed on as the run4reef Principal Partner. EV Direct are the Australian distributors of electric vehicle global powerhouse BYD and is co-owned by International Sports Executive and football legend Tim Cahill AO. The team at EV Direct and BYD are dedicated to the rapid transition across the region to cleaner transport solutions and are offering a BYD ATTO3 electric SUV as a prize to be given away to one of the first 40,000 to register.
run4reef’s commitment to renewable energy has also attracted Evie Networks as a Major Sponsor, who are currently building Australia’s largest electric vehicle fast charging network.
Geoff Brady, Evie Networks Head of Marketing and Sales said, “run4reef is a great opportunity for communities, companies, and local government to come together. The realtime connectivity of the event across Australia and New Zealand highlights the importance of climate, and the reusable and renewable energies we all need,” he said. Australians and New Zealanders are invited to join the movement to run as one and protect the treasured Great Barrier Reef by signing up for a run4reef event nearby.
Registrations are open for runners to take part in this iconic, first-of-its-kind event. For those who prefer not to run but still want to support, run4reef is inviting supporters to become Reef Fans by contributing to the cause.
run4reef events will take place on Sunday 16th October 2022 across Adelaide, Ballarat, Bendigo, Brisbane, Canberra, Cairns, Central Coast, Darwin, Geelong, Gold Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Moreton Bay, Newcastle, Sydney, Perth, Thursday Island, Townsville across Australia, and Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand.
For more information or to register, visit the run4reef website.
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