ANZAC Day Marathon: Honouring service one step at a time

Since 2016, Sally along with fellow Gold Coast runners have hit the pavement every year on ANZAC Day running 42.2 kilometres from Runaway Bay to Coolangatta. As they run the coastline, the group stop at a number of Gold Coast cenotaphs for a moment of quiet reflection before continuing on their journey.  

“For me, the ANZAC Day Marathon is about paying tribute and remembering my grandpa who fought in World War II, but also anyone who has served or is currently serving,” Sally says. 

“After my grandpa passed away in 2014, we attended the Runaway Bay RSL ANZAC Day service the following year and it just didn't feel the same without him, so I wanted to come up with a special way I could honour him. 

“I think many people have a personal connection to ANZAC Day. Hearing from participants of the event, they have amazing stories to share about who they are running for.” 

A marathon of connection and awareness  

In 2020, when it was difficult for Sub Branches to fundraise in person due to the pandemic, Sally made the ANZAC Day Marathon a virtual fundraiser to make the event more accessible and help support the Runaway Bay RSL Sub Branch.  

Sally says the transition to a virtual event allows people to walk, run or simply donate on ANZAC Day, or log 42.2 kilometres throughout the month of April.  

“After the event turned into a virtual fundraiser, I was able to raise and donate just over $1,000 to Runaway Bay RSL Sub Branch – and each year since, the funds raised have increased,” Sally says. 

With this thought, Sally contacted RSL Gold Coast District President Pat Fairon and the $9500 raised from the 2024 event was shared amongst Mudgeeraba-Robina RSL Sub Branch, Surfers Paradise RSL Sub Branch and Runaway Bay RSL Sub Branch.” 

With more than 100 people registering in past events, almost a quarter of them start the marathon with Sally on ANZAC Day at Runaway Bay RSL Sub Branch’s Dawn Service. Each year, Sally creates a military themed singlet for all the registrants to wear, making them easy to spot during their marathon journey. The logos of sponsors are also displayed on the singlet as a thank you for their support of the event.

“At the Runaway Bay Cenotaph, I lay a wreath for my grandpa, say a few words and then the Sub Branch and general public cheer us off as we start the marathon journey south. It’s such a special moment,” Sally explains. 

“As we pause at cenotaphs along the way, we think about what our service personnel have been through, but also what we're doing together.  

“I think running a marathon is a matter of mateship and spirit too, representing qualities of the ANZACs. On the day, we not only come together but keep each other going.” 

Big strides for the future 

Immensely grateful for Sally’s ongoing support over the past five years, Runaway Bay RSL Sub Branch President Bruce Main says the marathon not only raises funds for the Sub Branch, but creates more awareness about the commemoration.  

“The ANZAC Day Marathon is a terrific way to educate people about the ANZACs and it’s great to see the next generation getting involved and helping spread the word to more people on the day,” Bruce explains. 

“The funds raised for us go towards the welfare services we provide to our veteran members which includes social outings, get-togethers as well as poppy services and visits to veterans in aged care.” 

Bruce says it’s a marvellous feeling to be able to send Sally and the rest of the runners off on ANZAC Day.  

“It’s an initiative we have proudly incorporated into our commemorative service and plan to continue to do so for years to come.  

“Even though we’re not running, we feel as though we are doing it too,” Bruce says.  

“Our membership extends its full support to Sally, and we are so grateful for what she has done for us.” 

Sally says the initiative has allowed her to develop a special connection with the Runaway Bay RSL Sub Branch and she admires the support they have given her along the way. With high ambitions for the event moving forward, she hopes the marathon can expand across our state and across Australia. 

“We had runners from almost every state in Australia in 2024, so I'd love for that involvement to increase this year. One day it would be amazing to be able to support more RSL Sub Branches across the country.” 

To register or find out more information about the ANZAC Day Marathon visit: anzacdaymarathon.com.au