19 September – Bethany Community Support was the official charity partner of The Surf Coast Century ultra marathon this year, to help raise funds to support women and children experiencing family violence in our community.
Through the partnership, runners were encouraged to make their steps count on and off the trail by fundraising for to support Bethany Community Support’s family violence programs.
Held on Saturday 17 September in Anglesea, the event took in a broad variety of terrain and scenery in and around the Great Ocean Road sea cliffs, sandy beaches and hinterlands.
Recent studies indicate that one in three women have experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse by a current or former partner since the age of 15.
Anika Warren-Smith was one runner who wanted give back to the community she grew up in, by running 50km to raise awareness and fundraise to support victims of family violence.
Anika shared that her motivation to support Bethany, was primarily through creating change and raising awareness of the the prevalence of family violence.
“Anyone can experience family violence. It is a widespread social problem that affects people from all walks of life regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion or socio-economic status.”
“I believe we each have a role to play in keeping everyone in our community safe. My small part in that is to challenge myself with a 50km trail run and fundraise to support people who are doing it tougher than I am” Anika said.
Anika, together with other runners raised more than $3,500 for Bethany, funds which will be used directly to support women and children currently being supported by Bethany.
Next year’s Surf Coast Century event has already been announced to take place on Saturday 16 September. If you’d like to find out more, visit https://surfcoastcentury.rapidascent.com.au/