Since 2015, The Run Beyond Project has been providing life-altering experiences for high school students in need.
Read what people involved have had to say on our testimonials page.
Our program uses running as a mechanism to build transferable skills to empower students in all aspects of their lives. It involves a select group of around 8 students training for and completing a challenging but achievable Goal Race at an existing fun run, developing personal and social capabilities along the way which will help them thrive beyond the finish line, and beyond the context of running.
We fund the program’s implementation within selected schools. This includes:
- Teacher training
- Run Beyond apparel for participating staff and students.
- Running shoes for Lead Teacher and students.
- Race entries for participating staff and students.
- Associated expenses for the Goal Race, including travel and accommodation.
The culmination of the Project, the Goal Race is the experience of a lifetime and provides a fantastic, supportive atmosphere in which to celebrate the achievements of participants.
You provide your passion and your time, which will typically amount to one after-school training session a week for a term, as well as time on the Goal Race weekend.
Together we’ll provide your students with an engaging, challenging, memorable experience which will build their self-belief and empower them beyond the finish line.
Please note – We are a charity, and raise funds so the project can be implemented by teachers to students in need, as defined by our selection policy, which can be found here.
Applications are open until CoB on November 6. Successful applicants will be notified later in November.
Some additional recent comments from our teachers:
" 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 best program that I’ve seen run at a school in the past 20 years.” - Teacher, Woolgoolga High School, 2024
“We can’t thank you enough for the opportunity you have given our kids to thrive.” - Teacher, 2024
“This has been one of the best things they have ever done.” - Teacher, 2024.
“Our kids acknowledged it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and were very grateful. A career highlight for the teachers too.” - Eliza Roache, Queanbeyan High School, 2024
“Our kids grew so much. The confidence and energy they gained from the project was immense.” - Grant Clowes, Northlakes High School, 2024
“Starting The Run Beyond Project at South Grafton has been the highlight of my year. I’ve loved seeing the positive impact it’s had on the students, their families and the entire school community.”- Sarah Blackman, South Grafton High School, 2023
Hands down the best program I have been involved in with my students! I have watched as it has completely changed the lives of students, pushing them to achieve the unachievable and come out the other side confident, strong and more likely to step out of their comfort zone. - Erin Boake, Lake Munmorah High School, 2023.
