ADRA's Race Around Australia - virtual challenge

Cause

ADRA's Race Around Australia brings communities together throughout September to get active, raise support and help Australians experiencing hardship. The nationwide challenge launches the ADRA Appeal and raises funds for ADRA Australia's work with people affected by the cost-of-living crisis and other difficult circumstances.

For some Australians, rising everyday expenses can mean confronting impossible choices between food, medication and other essentials. Funds raised through this challenge help ADRA provide practical assistance such as food and essential items, as well as connection and referrals to further support. By choosing a personal distance and inviting others to contribute, participants turn their movement into meaningful help for people doing it tough.

The event is designed around a shared goal: collectively covering the 25,760-kilometre distance around Australia. Every walk or run adds to the national total, creating a visible reminder that individual efforts can combine into something much larger. Participants can also share their progress with family, friends and colleagues, encouraging more people to join the challenge or support the cause.

What to Expect

ADRA's Race Around Australia is a flexible, month-long virtual distance challenge for people across Australia. It runs from 1 September to 30 September and can be completed wherever participants feel comfortable walking or running. There is no single course, starting line or required venue, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, schedules and locations.

Participants can set their own distance for September or select one of three suggested challenges: 60 kilometres, which is approximately two kilometres per day; 200 kilometres, which is approximately five kilometres per day; or 300 kilometres, which is approximately ten kilometres per day. These options provide useful targets while allowing each person to choose an achievable and motivating goal. Distances can be completed in small daily sessions, longer weekend outings or any combination that works for the participant.

People may register as individuals or join with others as a team. Teams can bring together families, friendship groups, workplaces, schools, churches or community groups, and there is no stated limit on team size. Participants are encouraged to create a fundraising page, explain why they are taking part and share regular updates as their kilometres accumulate.

Activity can be recorded manually through the participant dashboard or synced from a compatible fitness tracker. Manually recorded activity may take a short time to appear in the total, while synced fitness activity is generally updated using the previous day's distances. Participants may still register after the challenge begins and take part at any time during September.

How to Participate

1. Use the registration link on this event page and register as an individual or as part of a team.
2. Choose a personal distance goal or select the suggested 60-kilometre, 200-kilometre or 300-kilometre challenge.
3. Set up a fundraising page and share why supporting Australians in need matters to you.
4. Walk or run throughout September in locations and sessions that suit your ability, routine and safety needs.
5. Record each activity manually in the participant dashboard or connect a compatible activity tracker.
6. Share progress with family, friends and colleagues, invite support and celebrate the contribution made toward the collective journey around Australia.

Participants should choose routes and distances appropriate for their experience, local conditions and personal health. The emphasis is on consistent movement, community participation and supporting the cause rather than racing for speed. Anyone who is uncertain about beginning a new exercise routine should seek appropriate professional advice.

Cost

Registration for ADRA's Race Around Australia is free. Participants are encouraged to raise funds, but there is no entry fee to join the challenge. Donations made through participant fundraising pages support ADRA Australia's work helping people experiencing hardship. Registering early gives participants more time to build a team, share their page and prepare for September, although registrations remain available during the challenge month.

Milestone Rewards

Fundraising achievements are recognised with milestone rewards. Participants who raise $250 receive an ADRA T-shirt, while those who raise $500 receive a Justice Compassion Love trucker cap. Prizes are also planned for the leading individual, team and organisation across the highest distance travelled and the most funds raised.

The distance choices also provide personal milestones throughout the month. Participants can track progress toward 60, 200 or 300 kilometres, or measure success against a distance they set for themselves. Whether someone completes two kilometres a day, takes on a larger target or contributes as part of a team, every recorded kilometre and fundraising effort helps move the shared challenge around Australia and supports people in need.