Students

“I learnt to be more resilient and I learnt to say no to the voice that tells me to stop.” (2024 Graduate)

“I learnt that if you involve yourself and set a goal and work towards it, you will get what you were aiming for. The best things about this project was….having something to look forward to in my life.” (2025 Graduate)

“The best thing was the whole experience, ever since I got back (from the Goal Race) I can’t stop thinking about the priviledge that I actually had to go there, every part was amazing and I am so thankful! Please continue to run this project and give other students the opportunity to experience what I have.” (2025 Graduate)

“…seeing how many people come together for The Run Beyond Project and seeing how supportive they all are…it was an awesome experience and it was amazing.” (2025 Graduate)

“I like the Run Beyond Project because it makes me create closer connections with my friends and making new ones while getting fit at the same time. I also love how it allows us to build independence while having fun.”  (Luke – Supporter School Student – 2025)

“Throughout this journey I’ve been given opportunities I never would’ve thought of having before. I’ve made friendships and unforgettable memories; accomplished goals; received awesome freebies; and met some very inspirational people. A lot of this wouldn’t have been accomplishable if it wasn’t for the help of teachers and support from the community. If you were to ask me to run 10km 4 months ago I would’ve died at the thought (not literally), but that was me then. The me now would be able to run that 10km I never would’ve thought of doing. It’s not impossible. Have a goal? That’s great. But what are you doing about it? You are capable of doing so many things if you put your mind to it.”
(Marissa – 2016 Graduate)

“It’s something that I will always talk about and … that I recommend other people to try because it changed my perspective on the world.”
(Mohamed – 2016 Graduate)

“Thank you so much for the great opportunity that you gave all the students and teachers…I learnt so many things about running, sills, friendships and everything…We are all so grateful for the great experience…The Run was challenging but through those trainings I learnt to push through…Thanks heaps [f]or everything you did for us all, I don’t know what to say, thank you isn’t enough…”
(Poppy – 2019 Graduate)

“I am now more motivated…more confidence to take new steps to reach my goals”
(2020 Graduate)

“The best thing about the project was challenging our self…and meeting other schools…This project show us keep going for your goals you will reach that.”
(2020 Graduate)

“The best thing about this project was that we all worked as a team.”
(2020 Graduate)

“I learnt to be confident and I should never give up.”
(2020 Graduate – Chester Hill High School)

“I have learnt not to give up when things get tough and keep going until I get what I wanted to get. Another thing I have learnt was to set goals for myself not only in running but in anything you want to achieve.”
(2020 Graduate – Chester Hill High School)

“I now know what it feels like to be part of a team.”
(2021 Graduate – Nambucca Heads High School)

Parents
“This project is Amazing. It’s unbelievable what it does for the kids !! The change in my son was something else:
Thanks so much !!!!!”                                                                                                                                                                (Parent comment, 2025)           

“The Run Beyond Project have given (them) so much inspiration and drive to succeed! What a great team to be a part of! (They have) absolutely loved being a part of the team! Thank you!”                                                                          (Parent comment, 2023)          

“Can’t thank the project enough for giving her the confidence to believe in herself and her abilities.”
(Parent comment on our Facebook Page, 2019)

Teachers

“I have seen first-hand, over the past two years, the incredible impact it has on our students. Personally, I’ve watched young people who doubted themselves grow in resilience, commitment, and belief as they worked towards their goal race. The pride they carry across the finish line translates directly into their approach to learning, relationships, and future challenges.” (Teacher, Lake Munmorah High School, 2025)

“The values and ethos of the program deeply resonated with me, reflecting everything I believe in about what Public Education represents; providing opportunities for all young people, regardless of their background, to challenge themselves and discover what they’re truly capable of when they persevere. Being part of this program has been one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences of my career. Thank you for the opportunity to be involved; we hope to continue our connection with the project for many years to come.” (Teacher, Nowra High School, 2025)

“Each year, I am blown away by the transformation in the students from their first training session through to the completion of their Goal Race. Kids that might begin the project with low self esteem, minimal resilience, and a myriad of social and academic issues at school, graduate with increased confidence, determination, and social connections.” (Teacher, Riverstone High School, 2025)

“The Run Beyond Project is the best school program I have been involved in throughout my career. Having experienced the program at both beneficiary and supporter schools, I have seen the amazing benefits this program has for students, staff and school culture. Participating students build lifelong social skills and resilience, whilst also engaging in meaningful physical activity that improves their health outcomes. Students come away feeling confident within themselves, having achieved something they didn’t think was possible prior to the program” (Lachlan – Supporter School Teacher, 2025)

“The Run Beyond Project has given students opportunities to set and commit to goals they would have never otherwise believed attainable. Through the training and experiences in the program they have developed their confidence, self-belief and a love for running that has made a positive impact in their lives. These skills are transferable to the classroom and the completion of assigned tasks.”
(James – Teacher, 2019)

Community members

“In 2017 I worked in ********** and I heard a lot about what you were doing. The son of one of my clients was training with you. What you did turned his life around. Actually you made a difference to his whole family.”
(Facebook message from a Disability Service Provider, 2019)

Cngratulations on a terrific, impactful charity and I am so pleased to support it in a small way. (Alicia – Supporter – 2020)