The Kids Mile is calling your little people and the longer races are calling you! 

Posted on 27 February, 2020

Up for a challenge? How about one for a good cause?

The Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) is on the hunt for more people to run in the Canberra Marathon Festival and raise valuable funds for their service.

The Canberra Marathon Festival is held over the weekend of 4–5 April in Barton, featuring a Kids Mile, 5km and 10km race on Saturday and a Half Marathon, Marathon and for the extra keen, the Ultra Marathon on Sunday.

This year DVCS would like a team of 30 runners across all the races, but so far only have a team of 13. Their fundraising target is $15,000. Can you help?

Why should you run and fundraise for DVCS?

Running helps raise awareness of DVCS and their support of our community and the funds you raise are vital to their ability to provide extra services to their clients, including access to emergency accommodation, groceries and petrol, mobile phones and credit, support groups and school holiday picnics for the families they support.

Additionally, DVCS runners gain access to all of these benefits:

1. A 10% discount on the registration fee
2. Access to the exclusive DVCS Closed Facebook group
3. Once you have raised over $300 ($50 for the Kids Mile), you will receive a complimentary DVCS running singlet or shirt
4. The top fundraiser receives a double pass to the DVCS Gala Ball held on 16 May 2020 at Hotel Realm
5. All runners receive access to the exclusive DVCS marquee over the weekend which includes chairs, water, fruit, lollies, blankets and somewhere to store your things while you run
6. For those running in the 5km, 10km and Kids Mile, there is a special cheer squad out on the track to keep you motivated.

One of DVCS’ clients “Ella” and her children will be running this year—all in the 10km, having previously run in the 5km.

“We are really excited to be running. I think my youngest might struggle to complete the 10km, but they are both pretty determined to do the 10. I’m really proud of them,” says Ella.

2020 will be Peta’s third year running for DVCS in the Marathon.

DVCS Champion and former Canberra Raiders Captain, Alan Tongue will also be competing in the 10km race this year.

Alan told us “I’m a little nervous to be giving it a go. I can’t wait to get running. I’m pretty sure I’ve still got it, fingers crossed I don’t pass out on the track anywhere! It’s for a great cause. The work DVCS does is important and they need our help.”

Alan isn’t the only Raiders representative running for DVCS this year. Brad Schneider, an Under 20s player, will also be running in the 5km with his host brother TJ Campagna and littlies Zac and Jade who will run in the Kids Mile.

Collectively they hope to raise $1,500. “Domestic and family violence is a community issue and needs a community response, which is why we are all taking part. We will be representing the children and young people impacted by violence in their homes,” says Brad.

Jade and Zac who are running in the Kids Mile.

To find out more about registering and taking advantage of the discount, please visit the DVCS website.

Photos attached:

1. Jade and Zac who are running in the Kids Mile
2. Peta, 2020 is her third year running for DVCS
3. Thom holding one of our cheer squad signs