Entries for this year’s biggest charity fun run festival have opened, the Seven Sunshine Coast Marathon and Community Run Festival 2018. This year, it’s 7^th year of operation, they’ve set a goal to raise over $100,000 for more than 70 different charities that make a huge difference in people’s lives everyday. Originally, the event was the vision of three friends who loved running and wanted to give back to a cause close to their hearts. The event now aspires to be the largest fundraising marathon event in Australia. Punters can run as an individual, a school team, a community group, a workplace crew or a running group – whatever the format, wherever you travel from, the end goal is the same – challenge yourself, have fun and find your reason to run. Entries are open to to runners as young as 4 years old and of any level of fitness – so anyone can chip in and do their dash for charity.

The money raised by this fantastic charity initiative has been distributed among 70 incredible charity organisations that work in our communities to help those seriously in need. Chief among these organisations is the massive Ronald McDonald House (SEQ) and the Westpac Foundation.

Ronald McDonald House: ‘Ronald McDonald House SEQ provides accommodation for the families of seriously ill children who live more than 50km from the treating hospital in Brisbane. Ronald McDonald Houses help to preserve the family unit in the midst of physical, emotional and financial stress and also gives parents the chance to draw hope and comfort from other families in similar situations, while being supported by dedicated and friendly staff and volunteers. ‘

Westpac Foundation: ‘At Westpac Foundation, our vision is to open doors to a brighter future for more Australians. We support not-for-profit organisations taking a fresh approach to addressing social problems, borrowing the best from business to create more opportunity for Australia’s most disadvantaged. In 2015, the Foundation has given local community organisations with great ideas for social change $870,000 worth of grants through the Westpac Foundation Community Grants program. In addition, the Foundation has given a further $1.5 million in 2015 to help nurture and grow innovative social enterprises that tackle tough social issues. Since 1999, the Foundation has granted more than $28 million to more than 200 social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations.’

Early bird discounts for entrants have begun and teams are starting to form. For the charitable bunch the time has come to get the lead out and start fund-raising and training to do some good in the world. For more information on the event, booking your place and the organisations the event supports, visit the website