Mental health charity LIVIN will join Cancer Council Queensland as official charities of next year’s Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon with both organisations announcing the agreement ahead of entries opening on Tuesday 3 December.
Events Management Queensland CEO Cameron Hart said the new partnership with the Gold Coast-based mental health crusaders will build on the event’s significant contribution to fighting cancer over the past 15 years.
“LIVIN has been an enthusiastic supporter of the event for several years now, so we’re thrilled to have them on board in an official capacity to help raise much-needed funds to break the stigma of mental health,” Mr Hart said.
“Many participants in the eight races on race weekend have taken up running or set themselves a running goal to improve their mental health, so naturally this partnership makes sense.
“The longstanding partnership with Cancer Council Queensland has been renewed as we work together for a cancer-free future.”
One runner with a focus on improving mental health is the Gold Coast’s Jake Malby who made headlines for LIVIN at last year’s Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon, using the event as a training run for his personal challenge to run a marathon each day of the following month to raise money and awareness for LIVIN.
Jake started running with his ultra-marathoner brother, Ben, as a means to deal with his mental health struggles.
The 26-year-old successfully completed his ambitious challenge in August, smashing his goal to raise $5,000 by inspiring over a staggering $23,000 for LIVIN.
LIVIN co-founder and co-CEO Casey Lyons is keen to use the association with the Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon to drive awareness for the charity and its movement to encourage people to engage in conversation about mental health.
“We are so thankful to be named as an official charity for the Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon in 2020,” Mr Lyons said.
“The link between mental health and exercise has been proven time and time again, and the commitment this event is making to help spread the message that ‘It Ain’t Weak to Speak’ is incredibly valuable.”
“In choosing to donate to LIVIN, participants are helping us reach thousands of young Australians with our mental health program, LIVINWell.”
Founded on the Gold Coast in 2004, LIVIN has its headquarters in Burleigh Heads, a short run from the southern turn for the 42.2km race.
The charity uses money raised to promote wellness and positive living for young people through awareness and early education programmes in schools and has achieved significant success through the launch of its branded apparel range designed to start important mental health conversations.
To celebrate the new partnership, the first ten participants who enter any race at the Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon and choose to donate to LIVIN with their entry will win a LIVIN merchandise pack valued at $75.
The 2019 event raised over $240,000 for charity through entry donations and fundraising platform everydayhero, including $56,000 for Cancer Council Queensland.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillan said the Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon is a great opportunity for the community to band together and work towards a common goal while running, wheeling and walking.
“Those who take part in active events like the Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon with Team CCQ can be confident they are making a difference to the lives of locals affected by cancer whilst boosting their own health and wellbeing,” Ms McMillan said.
Participants can choose to donate to Cancer Council Queensland or LIVIN when completing their entry form or start their own fundraising effort for these charities or other causes close to their heart through everydayhero at goldcoastmarathon.com.au/
Entries for the 42nd Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon open on Tuesday 3 December at 9am (AEST) at goldcoastmarathon.com.au.
The world-class international marathon to be held Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2020 will attract 28,000 participants of all ages and abilities from over 50 countries across eight races including the Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Gold Coast Airport Fun Run, Garmin 4km Junior Dash and Garmin 2km Junior Dash.
