The annual Run the Tan event is back, and this year major records will be broken.
Held at the beautiful Tan Track in Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, the event is all about raising support for local mental health charities. This year, an all-star lineup of athletes and celebrities will be joining the crowds of participants to show their support for mental well-being. It’s sure to be an unmissable and inspiring day of running.
© Run the Tan
Mental health matters
In Australia, 2 in 5 people between the ages of 16 and 85 will experience a mental disorder at some time in their life. Mental health can impact anyone, and is a leading cause of death across the country.
Events like Run the Tan are shedding a light on the importance of reaching out and asking for help by promoting charities that do just that. According to Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp, coming together as a community demonstrates how Aussies can support each other, and is vital for emphasising this important cause.
“Run the Tan is an event that draws thousands of people to the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens and Tan Track in Melbourne, all in the name of a good cause,” she says.
“As a community, we want to continue promoting awareness around mental health, and supporting the organisations that help those who are struggling
© Run the Tan
Record breaking
Record prize money, record targets for fundraising and anticipated record participation are just some of the exciting achievements set to be broken at this year’s event.
Perhaps most exciting is the number of top Australian athletes competing to break the current record time on the track, including Australian record holder Jessica Hull and Commonwealth bronze medalist Abbey Cadwell. Currently, the quickest time for a female is an incredible 11 minutes and 35 seconds, set by Linden Hall in 2021. She will be returning to defend her crown, meaning the race will be one to remember.
Celebrities including Mathew Richardson, Rob Mills, Dave Hughes, and Archie Thompson will also be showing their support for mental well-being by participating.
The track is approximately 3.8km long, winding through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Runners of all abilities are encouraged to join in. No matter your skill level, Run the Tan is excited to welcome participants who are passionate about promoting strong mental health.
© Run the Tan
Ready, set, go
This year’s event offers the biggest prize yet, with an aim of raising $100k to support charities such as Lifeline, One in Five, RUOK, SANE and Beyond Blue. All participants are encouraged to undertake their own fundraising in support of their preferred charity.
According to Run the Tan founder, Darren Templeton, creating awareness around mental health is now more important than ever.
“One in five Australians will suffer mental illness this year and research has shown that running for just 15 minutes a day reduces the risk of major depression by 26 percent.”
“Run the Tan will help raise awareness of the importance that exercise has on mental health and wellbeing, as well as providing recognition to our top Australian middle-distance runners.”
With so many enthusiastic participants, Run the Tan will burst with an encouraging and positive atmosphere. There’s nothing better than spending time in the fresh air with a supportive community, especially when you’re doing it for a great cause.
To discover more ways to support mental health in Australia, click here.