Join us in the ultimate test of endurance and compassion as we run 42 kilometres to raise funds for our Australian Veterans at the upcoming New York City Marathon.
Participating in the New York Marathon holds a profound purpose for us, as we are driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact by raising funds to support the wellbeing of veterans and their transition back into the mainstream.
Running this iconic race presents an opportunity to combine personal achievement with a larger goal: supporting our veterans and their wellbeing. By dedicating our efforts to raise funds and awareness for a deserving cause, we aim to turn every stride into a symbol of hope and positive change.
The challenge of the marathon mirrors the challenges faced by individuals that the our charities (Wandering Warriors and Women Veterans Australia) rely on, making each step a testament to their resilience. Joining the marathon with a charitable focus isn't just about conquering physical distance; it's about uniting communities, inspiring generosity, and contributing to a brighter future for those who need it most.
ALL FUNDS RAISED GO DIRECTLY TO OUR CHOSEN CHARITIES, WANDERING WARRIORS & WOMEN VETERANS AUSTRALIA
About Our Chosen Charities
Wandering Warriors
Wandering Warriors are dedicated to offering essential care, unwavering support, and boundless opportunities to Special Forces veterans and their families. As a veteran charity organization, they stand firmly behind their commitment by providing comprehensive assistance through Education, Employment, Respite, and Mentoring programs.
In addition, they host a series of flagship events that unite the veteran community, forging invaluable connections and partnerships with specialised service providers to enhance overall well-being. One of their key initiatives, The Krait Foundation, is a career readiness program specially designed for current transitioning and former Special Operations personnel. This program harnesses the skills and experiences gained from elite service careers to pave the way for new purpose and career opportunities.
Join in their mission to empower veterans and their families for a brighter future.
Learn more about Wandering Warriors: wanderingwarriors.org
Women Veterans Australia
Women Veterans Australia (WVA) is Australia’s only not-for-profit charity that provides support and services to help women veterans achieve their full potential. It is an inclusive organisation, regardless of gender identity, sexual identity, age, ethnicity, or any other intersection that compromises women veterans’ quality of life. WVA is so proud to have their Ambassador, Sarah Watson, running the 42k4Vererans this year. We greatly admire her courage and example in finding a sense of purpose after her ADF career, as well as continuing to be an inspirational role model for all veterans.
WVA's mission is to support women veterans in achieving their full potential. We provide support and services that connect women veterans with our wonderful veteran community, we provide trauma-informed mentoring and development courses to enhance their professional and personal development, and support plenty of cool projects - from book writing programs to wellness retreats, and more.
Learn more about Women Veterans Australia: womenveteransaustralia.org.au
Our Sponsors
Running Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Corporates who donate $1000 or more
Platinum Sponsors
Corporates who donate $4200 or more
Meet the 42K
4 Veterans Running Team
Wayne Gowland
Running and raising funds for Women Veterans Australia
Words from Wayne on his 'why'
There are few acts of service greater than representing your country on the front line. Since 1997 Australia has been part of many military activities, missions, and conflicts, and unfortunately 73 personnel died as a result of service during that time. During that same period, we have lost over 1600 serving and ex-serving personnel to suicide. Adding to this, the suicide rate for Veteran Women is over 100% higher (double) than the suicide rate for Australian women.
These numbers sit extremely uncomfortable with me.
The more I and the xAmplify team engage and work with Defence and the broader Defence community, the more I learn of the personal challenges and struggles faced by those who serve us and those who have served us.
For me, supporting 42k4Veterans is about awareness and giving back. Our underlying philosophy at xAmplify is to "Do Well and Do Good". This philosophy reminds us that we are more than a business, we are a part of a broader community, and we have a responsibility to take a stand when required, and give back to those who support and protect the community in which we work, live and play.
Whilst there are many organisations supporting Veterans across Australia, Women's Veterans Australia is Australia's only not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing 'veteran centred' well-being, community, career mentoring & development support services to veteran women. Our support and partnership with Women's Veterans Australia aims to raise essential funds to support the essential services provided to women veterans, and to also provide career transition opportunities and pathways for both serving and veteran women into the IT and Professional Services industry.
As we fast approach the close of submissions into the long overdue Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, we are making a stand to support Australian Veterans, and in particular Women's Veterans Australia.
Sarah Watson
Running and raising funds for Women Veterans Australia
Words from Sarah on her 'why‘
After serving 19 years in the Australian Army, I was medically transitioned out at age 37. I had served for over half my life in uniform and had no idea how I would replicate that sense of belonging and purpose that came hand-in-hand with military life. I battled some dark times in the years after I left the Army but then I discovered a renewed purpose through both competitive level sport and supporting other veterans transitioning out of service.
Running the NYC Marathon as a part of the 42k4Veterans combines my love for sport and physically challenging myself with supporting other veterans. Statistics show that women veterans in Australia are 2.3 times more likely to die by suicide than Australian women. This is why I choose to run for Women Veterans Australia to help them deliver on their mission to provide support and services to help women veterans achieve their full potential.
Michael Simkovic
Running and raising funds for Wandering Warriors
Words from Michael on his 'why‘
I am so very blessed to have been born and live in the best country in the world. This country has provided me with an education, opportunities, experiences, community, family and above all, a safe and prosperous life. That said, the uncertainty of the world in which we live in and the layers of stress and challenges that we face require many people in this country to take a front line role in protecting us all on a daily basis. This is often invisible to us all and we hear so little about it, however so many people are sacrificing themselves every day to keep us safe so we can enjoy and prosper in such a wonderful country. This personal sacrifice comes at a cost and like the daily role played by veterans when serving and have transitioned out, the silent and invisible consequences are all to prevalent. Knowing people who have and continue to struggle with mental health issues,
I am in a very fortunate position to be able to have founded my own business in CSO Group and in an industry that operates in the broad church that supports the national sovereign security landscape in which so many people serve. Being in the cyber security industry, we continue to adopt the skills and experience of those ex-service personal who need our support to transition into the civilian workforce where they can find purpose, meaning and acknowledgment of the years of service and skills development. I wish to continue this support and raise the awareness within our industry and my broader community network to garner their support and support the funding of such a cause. Partnering with Wandering Worriers is a privilege and I want to do all I can to raise the awareness of the support they provide and the need to ensure that they are funded to continue their incredible work.
Adam Walsh
Running and raising funds for Wandering Warriors
Words from Adam on his 'why‘
I'm lacing up my running shoes and taking on the New York Marathon with a purpose that goes beyond personal achievement. I'm running for Wandering Warriors, a veteran’s charity that provides critical care, support, and opportunities for Special Forces veterans and their families, and this cause is deeply personal to me. Having served in the military for over 18-years, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges that veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. Many of my fellow veterans, especially those from Special Operations, struggle with finding their footing after leaving the service.
The effects of their service to our nation can be profound, impacting their mental and emotional wellbeing, and sometimes making the transition to civilian careers seem insurmountable.
Wandering Warriors very own Education, Employment, Respite, and Mentoring programs are a lifeline for veterans and their families. They offer a comprehensive support system that addresses the unique needs of Special Forces veterans. I've seen how these programs can transform lives, providing veterans with the skills, education, and guidance they need to not just survive but thrive in their post-military careers.
Moreover, the organization's flagship events and partnerships with specialised service providers for wellbeing are invaluable. They create a sense of community and belonging that is often missing when veterans leave the structured environment of the military. This camaraderie and support are essential for the healing and growth of our veterans.
The Krait Foundation, in particular, resonates with me deeply. Leveraging the skills and experiences of elite service careers to establish new purposes and career opportunities is a brilliant initiative. I've witnessed too many talented veterans struggle to find their niche in the civilian workforce, and programs like Krait can be a game-changer for them.
So, I'm running this marathon to raise awareness and funds for this incredible charity. I want to make a difference in the lives of those who have served our nation with distinction and dedication. I've seen the struggles first-hand, but I've also seen the resilience and potential of my fellow veterans. Together, we can ensure that they receive the care and opportunities they deserve and recognising their service to our great nation.
NEW YORK MARATHON
RACEDAY - 5 NOV 2023
The New York City Marathon is one of the world's most prestigious and iconic long-distance running events. Here is some information about this renowned race…
Inception and History:
The New York City Marathon was first held on September 13, 1970, and has been an annual event since then.
It was originally organized byFred Lebow and Vince Chiappetta, and it has grown exponentially in size and popularity over the years.
Location:
The race takes place in the five boroughs of New York City:
Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan.
The course winds through various neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and scenic routes, providing runners with a diverse and memorable experience.
Distance:
The New York City Marathon is a marathon, which means it covers a distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers).
Participants:
The marathon is open to both professional and amateur runners from around the world.
It typically attracts tens of thousands of participants, making it one of the largest and most competitive marathons globally.
WE NEED YOUR
SUPPORT
Join us in the ultimate test of endurance and compassion as we run 42 kilometers to raise much-needed funds for our Aussie Veterans, and their families, at the upcoming New York City Marathon.