Teachers Enthusiastic to go beyond

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It speaks volumes of both the positive impact of Run Beyond and the generous spirit of our volunteer teachers that so many walked away from our recent Teacher Training Day using words such as “excited” and “can’t wait” to refer to their feelings about a program that they will be implementing in their own time.

The event, on Friday, 26 March was the third annual training day, and it equipped 12 teachers from 9 schools with the knowledge and capabilities to implement The Run Beyond Project in their settings.

Representatives from Coonamble High School, Gorokan High School, Lightning Ridge High School, Northlakes High School, Orara High School, Penola Catholic College, Riverstone High School and The Ponds High School attended the day, and gained an understanding of the historical development of Run Beyond and the entire process of the program from student selection, through commencement and implementation of the practical and theoretical components, to the Goal Race, graduation and evaluation.

Teachers, stakeholders and Run Beyond directors at the Teacher Training Day, 2021.

Numerous stakeholders including  Bruce Inglis from the Sydney Striders, Renee Pilley from our Here to Be partner lululemon, Suzanne Kelly from the Kelly Family Foundation, also attended the day to gain a greater insight into the program and to network with our teachers. Directors Jonothan Fletcher of Running Science and David Hazlewood from Knightswood House talked briefly too, giving everyone present further insight into how behind-the-scenes work has a great impact at the student level.

Feedback from all guests and teachers was overwhelmingly positive, with guest stakeholders commenting on the “enthusiasm from the teachers”. Grant Clowes of Northlakes High School exclaimed “we are excited to get things started.” Lauren Davis of Gulgong also stated “I am really excited about the program this year,” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to network with others implementing in 2021.

Expert advice on injury prevention and management was provided by Pete Colagiuri from Bioathletic, our physiotherapy partner. Participants all agreed they learnt a lot from his “brilliant” advice, which we have been fortunate to have since the program’s inception.

We were also fortunate to have our photography partner, Paul McMillan, attend and take some high-quality snaps. Paul has been a great asset since joining the Run Beyond team last year and we look forward to working with him more in future.

Maximus International generously provided the perfect venue for the event at their Sydney headquarters on Jones Bay Wharf, for which we are extremely grateful.

With the training now behind us, look forward to some exciting stories in the near future as our inspired teachers inspire some wonderful young people to go beyond.

Want to be part of the journey or to share your story with us? 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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