We believe in making an impact, playing a positive role in the community and providing support where and when we can. A natural fit for us, and something we are really proud to support, is the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, established by Australian running legend Rob de Castella.
We are also delighted to be an official charity fundraising partner of Ronald McDonald House Charities, and we are aiming to make a difference to the lives of so many deserving families in 2024 and well beyond.
In 2021, right in the middle of the COVID-19 global pandemic, just when we thought that things couldn’t get any worse for those of us working in International Travel, one of the Travelling Fit team got some unexpected news. After a trip to the opticians to see if the headaches were being caused by not wearing glasses, a 3cm brain tumour was diagnosed.
Immediately, the very best of Australia kicked into action – a whole world of amazing people that previously we didn’t really know existed. Doctors, nurses, ambulance crews, paramedics, drivers, specialists, the list goes on and on and on.
After just a few short days (that seemed like they went on forever) we ended up at Westmead Childrens Hospital and spent most of the Easter Holidays there recovering from a very successful operation.
We were very lucky too in that we had access to Ronald McDonald House, a charity that previously we had heard of, but really knew absolutely nothing about. They very generously were able to provide us with a 2 bedroomed apartment for the whole of Easter at absolutely no charge to us at all.
Ronald McDonald House Westmead gives seriously ill children the best gift of all – their families. The House is a warm and supportive home-away-from-home for families of children travelling to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead for treatment. The facility overwent a massive transformation in 2018 and is now a purpose-built, 60 room accommodation facility to be able to cater to more families in need.
Ronald McDonald House understands that being away from home for long periods of time can put families under financial pressure. That’s why accommodation is free for eligible families of seriously ill children.
This is how we are planning to give back
Travelling Fit’s 24 in 24 pledge.
Travelling Fit is turning 24 in 2024, so we are going to donate $24 for every booking we receive, for every event anywhere in the world. Our goal is to raise upwards of $24,000. Whether you choose to run in China, Uluru, New York, or indeed anywhere else in the world with us, we will donate $24 on your behalf.
Check Out our home-page for a weekly tally!
You can find out more about the amazing work that Ronald McDonald House Westmead does by checking out their website – simply click here.
Australian running legend Rob de Castella had an idea in 2009, to find Australian Indigenous runners to start competing against the best of the best. The idea took off when a squad of four athletes took part in the 2010 New York City Marathon.
What started as an amazing opportunity has turned into an incredible organisation – with the Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP) changing the lives of young Indigenous Australians by providing a renewed sense of pride, empowerment and purpose.
IMP is a six-month health, well-being and leadership journey where, each year, 12 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people (aged between 18 – 30) are selected to train for the biggest Marathon in the world, the New York City Marathon. With no prior running experience necessary, the selected team meet at set times throughout the year to participate in a week-long camp, where they meet inspirational leaders and participate in an official running event. It is here they also complete an educational component, before the final selection is made for the squad that will run the New York City Marathon in November of that year. Members are supported in their undertakings by world Marathon champion runner, Robert de Castella, and IMP Head Coach, Damian Tuck.
A natural fit for our business, the partnership between the IMF and Travelling Fit is an opportunity for adventurous running enthusiasts to combine travel, running and fundraising. ‘IMF Tourism’ is an initiative that allows IMF supporters to book their running holiday through Travelling Fit, but also where they are given the opportunity to make a donation. Supporters who book through our site will also be offered exclusive value-add options; such as meeting and running with Rob, an invitation to attend motivational talks and lunches, as well as meeting the Indigenous Marathon Project squad/Graduates.
Travelling Fit Founder and Director, Mari-Mar Walton, applauds the work of the IMF and said it was an easy decision when choosing to partner with the organisation.
“We continue to be impressed with the growing opportunities and significant impact IMF is having right around the country for young Indigenous Australians. This program changes the participants lives and inspires the nation.”
“Establishing our partnership with IMF was a no-brainer, and we are very excited about the long-term opportunities of this program,” she said.
The Iceland Volcano Marathon is a standard marathon length of 42.195, 26.2 miles which is approximately kilometres.
There are also half marathon (21.1km) and quarter-marathon (10.55km) race options as well.
The Iceland Volcano Marathon is considered a challenging event, given its unique terrain and environmental conditions.
The course takes runners through volcanic landscapes, including soft trails, uneven ground, and areas of lava fields, which can be more demanding than the paved surfaces found in urban marathons.
Additionally, the variable weather conditions in Iceland, even in July, can add to the challenge, with possibilities of wind, rain, or unusually warm temperatures.
The event is well-organised, with aid stations and support to help runners manage the demanding course.
Preparation for the terrain and potential weather conditions is key to enjoying and completing the marathon.
Trail Running: To get accustomed to uneven and soft terrain, improving stability and strength.
Hill Workouts: Include hill repeats to build leg strength and endurance for the course’s inclines and declines.
Appropriate Gear: Train in the shoes and clothing you plan to use on race day to ensure comfort and suitability for the terrain and weather.
Weather Preparation: Train in conditions that mimic Iceland’s potential wind, rain, and cooler temperatures to acclimate.
Pacing Strategy: Start conservatively and consider walking the steeper hills to conserve energy.
Nutrition and Hydration: Practise your race-day nutrition and hydration strategy during long runs to find what works best for you.
Mental Preparation: Visualise the course and mentally prepare for the challenge, building resilience through varied training conditions.
Recovery: Focus on recovery with rest days and techniques like foam rolling or yoga to aid muscle recovery.
Simulation Runs: Do back-to-back long runs to simulate race-day fatigue and practice running on tired legs.
The Iceland Volcano Marathon presents a unique challenge not just because of its terrain but also due to the altitude in which it takes place.
Although Iceland is not known for extremely high elevations like those found in mountainous marathon locations, the race’s location near Lake Mývatn can still have a notable impact on performance due to its elevation above sea level.
"*" indicates required fields
Sign up to join our Priority Notification List to be one of the first to receive up-to-date race information and packages details about a specific event/s you are interested in.
Select your desired option below to share a direct link to this page.
Your friends or family will thank you later.
