NEW SCHOOLS JOIN THE FUN AT RUN BEYOND TEACHER TRAINING DAY, 2020!

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Friday, February 28 saw 15 teachers attend the second Run Beyond Project Teacher Training Day, equipping them with the necessary skills to successfully implement the program in their own school settings.

The attendees were a mixture of teachers who had previously implemented the program, along with teachers from seven new schools. Riverstone High School, Gulgong High School, Plumpton High School, Engadine High School, Vincentia High School, Lightening Ridge High School and Denison College – Kelso High Campus were all represented for the first time and warmly welcomed to The Run Beyond Team!

Teachers enjoyed the day immensely and are all eagerly awaiting the opportunity to empower their students as they implement Run Beyond at their respective schools. “It was fantastic to have the opportunity to network with teaching colleagues” said Samantha Berridge of the Catholic Learning Community of St John XXIII at Stanhope. Sam said she is keen to begin her second year implementing the program and feels “very privileged to be a part of the run beyond family.” 

Nambucca Heads teacher, Michelle Versluys added that the “day just confirmed for me what a life changing experience Run Beyond is giving to students. I loved hearing all the success stories and meeting the inspiring teachers who are going to implement the project in their schools this year.”

The Run Beyond Project uses running as a mechanism to develop capacities around goal-setting, commitment and resilience in students as they work towards the completion of a challenging but achievable Goal Race, typically between 10km and a half-marathon in length.

Teachers networked on the day and explored the possibility of numerous schools meeting and particular Goal Races, providing students with opportunities to meet their counterparts in other schools and to jointly celebrate the achievement of their goals.

Run Beyond founder David Criniti delivered the training, guiding teachers through both the theoretical and practical components of Run Beyond, with returning teachers providing valuable insights as to how the program’s potential has been realised in the variety of contexts that different schools present.

We were also fortunate to have a guest appearance from physio legend Pete Colagiuri, a long-time Run Beyond supporter, from Bioathletic, who engaged the teachers with an excellent overview of injury prevention and management strategies to maximise the students’ chances of success.

Stay tuned for accounts of these success stories throughout 2020 and beyond!

 

 

Want to be part of the journey? Get in touch!

2025 marked a milestone year for The Run Beyond Project — a year defined by growth, impact, and the unwavering belief that running can change lives. With every stride, our students, teachers, supporters, and partners helped push the boundaries of what’s possible, and the results speak for themselves.

A Record-Breaking Year of Graduates

Thanks to the momentum created by the Australian Sports Commission PlayWell Grant awarded to Run Beyond in 2024, our program reached more young people than ever before.

  • 332 students graduated in 2025, representing our largest annual cohort to date.
  • These achievements bring our total number of graduates to 740, a testament to the dedication of our partner schools and the resilience of our students.

Expanding Our Reach Across Australia

This year, The Run Beyond Project was active in 38 schools across four states and territories:

  • New South Wales
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia
  • Northern Territory

We were also supported by five incredible supporter schools, whose commitment helped strengthen our community and extend our impact.

Equipping Every Student for Success

Access and equity remain at the heart of our mission. In 2025, every participating student received high‑quality running shoes and kit — an essential part of ensuring all young people can participate with confidence.
This was made possible through the continued generosity of On Running and Pace Athletics, whose support once again removed barriers and empowered students to show up ready to give their best.

Beyond Borders Virtual Run: Another Inspiring Success

Our annual Beyond Borders Virtual Run returned in 2025, uniting participants from across the country in a shared challenge that celebrates endurance, community, and purpose.
The event’s success will play a crucial role in fueling our next phase of growth, helping us bring the program to an anticipated 60+ schools in 2026.

Looking Ahead

As we close out 2025, we’re energised by what lies ahead. With more schools joining, more students participating, and more communities rallying behind our mission, The Run Beyond Project is poised to make 2026 our most transformative year yet.

Every step taken this year — on the track, in the classroom, and across our communities — has helped shape a brighter future for young people nationwide. Thank you to everyone who has supported us, believed in us, and run beyond with us.

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