Nambucca Heads Students Show the Real Meaning of Running

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On Saturday, September 8, five students from Nambucca Heads High School lined up at the start line of the 10km Fun Run at the Coffs Harbour Running Festival after months of training in preparation with their teacher and coach Michelle Versluys. Nervous but full of excitement, the girls were encouraged all the way to the finish line by their family and friends, spectators, volunteers and other runners.

When asked how they felt about completion of the program and their goal race, the opportunities to be involved as a group, making new friends, getting fitter and a sense of pride and accomplishment after completing the run were common themes.

“I liked the idea of being in a team and becoming closer to people. I liked the idea of getting fitter and to make new friends,” one student said.

“I just thought I’d try my best. I didn’t think I would make it to the end of the run because I wasn’t a good long-distance runner at the time. It feels good that I could do it,” another student added.

Being a runner herself, Michelle Versluys got involved in the project as she shares a passion for running and believes the program’s “beyond” is so important for kids to learn.

“The program is based on the principles of commitment, resilience and goal setting,” Michelle said.

“We used running to build those skills and those qualities carry over to life in general.”

When asked how she thought the program helped the five female students who participated, Michelle said that the girls now see themselves as a team.

“Completing their goal race and seeing people united by their love of running gave the girls a real sense of community,” Michelle said.

“We often discussed the principles in relation to school challenges and difficulties they may have in their own lives and they now talk more easily and with confidence.”

A big thanks to all those who supported our crew from Nambucca Heads High as they trained for this amazing experience. We look forward to seeing the girls smash their future goals! 

 

Twenty-four teams managed to complete Beyond Borders Virtual Run by covering the 876 kilometres in the 3 week period, with The Mile(age) High Club covering an amazing 3,332km, Goats covering 2,774km and KEO 9 Sole Mates covering 2,245km. Congratulations to The Mile(age) High Club who not only covered the greatest distance, but were also first across the line, winning each of their team members a $600 voucher from our great supporter, On

On the fundraising front, it was an amazing year with support coming in for runners undertaking marathons around the world and culminating in Rhodes Runners undertaking a special challenge on the final day – a Parramatta to Sydney Opera House run!

In total, more than $55,000 was raised over the three weeks…that equates to around 5 new schools being able to join Run Beyond next year!

A special thanks goes out to all of our teams including our long time, and year round, supporters Rhodes Runners, Sydney Striders, and On Running and, for the first time in 2024, KEO International Consultants, who fielded an incredible 13 teams with 130 participants and donated an amazing $25,000!

Overall it was a fantastic effort by all teams and individuals and an effort that will see us able to bring the Project to many more schools in 2025!

Of course, none of this would be possible without the help of our supporters, On RunningKnightswood House, Sydney Striders, Second SkinThree Bridges Run and Ultra Series Australia.

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