World’s First Simultaneous Running Event Launches In Honour Of Our Planet

Calling on thousands of New Zealanders and Australians to run as one for the health of our world.

This October, New Zealand and Australia will welcome the world’s first simultaneous running event to bring more than 100,000 runners together with the single mission: running as one in the name of climate action for the Great Barrier Reef.

The inaugural run4reef international event, a run4planet initiative, will span 21 cities across the two countries, 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.

Runners from cities from both sides of the Tasman will also 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.

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.”

Local event manager and run4reef supporter, Bengy Barsanti added the importance of Wellington and Aukland being two of the inaugural cities to host run4reef.

“I'm excited to see such an inspirational movement call Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington
and Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland home.”

“Aotearoa has a long history of putting conservation first, especially around the protection of our moana and we are proud to be part of a global action running together as Kaitiaki (guardians). I can't wait to see thousands of runners all come together for such a great cause,” he said.

run4reef registrations will raise much-needed funds to support a range of important causes.
The majority of funds raised via event registrations and peer-to-peer fundraising will go to conservation initiatives with WWF-New Zealand and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. A small percentage will be invested into the local community for supporting this international effort through a direct donation to New Zealand's not-for-profit organisation, Breast Cancer Cure.

Livia Esterhazy, WWF-New Zealand CEO is thrilled run4reef is bringing our countries together to support the restoration of our marine environment.

“Our marine environment is without international borders. Fixing our struggling ocean will require all of us working together. WWF-New Zealand is proud to partner with run4reef to champion collaborative conservation to help protect and restore the native taonga and ecosystems of Aotearoa.”

“Aotearoa New Zealand has one of the largest marine environments in the world. It produces food, regulates our climate, supports livelihoods, and is home to more than 80% of our indigenous biodiversity. A healthy ocean is vital to our health and well-being. run4reef is the perfect opportunity to show what is possible when we work together. We look forward to people uniting across the Tasman in support of such an important cause,” Ms Esterhazy said.

CEO of New Zealand Breast Cancer Cure and run4reef supporter, Sonja de Mari said the organisation was grateful to be a part of an event that promotes the health of both individuals and the planet.

“The Breast Cancer Cure team are excited to be part of such a unique event, raising awareness around the importance of the health of individuals and healthy communities through the world's first simultaneous running event,” Ms de Mari said.

"We know this event will appeal to all ages and fitness levels, attracting children, adults, men and women and especially those who have always wanted to go head-to-head with our Trans-Tasman friends. It going to be an incredible event for New Zealanders near and far!”

run4reef events will take place on Sunday 16th October 2022 across Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand, and Adelaide, Ballarat, Bendigo, Brisbane, Canberra, Cairns, Central Coast, Darwin, Geelong, Gold Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Moreton Bay, Newcastle, Sydney, Perth, Thursday Island and Townsville across Australia.

The event 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.

New Zealanders and Australians 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.

To register for the event or show support by becoming a Reef Fan visit run4reef.org. Please click here for imagery and supporting assets.

© Scoop Media