Korin Gamadji Institute partners with RunRona, to support health promotion in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The Richmond Football Club’s, Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI) is the major partner of RunRona 2020, a virtual run/walk event. 

RunRona will take place over the weekend of May 30-31, with a number of walk and run distance options available from 5km – 42km to suit all fitness levels.

While restrictions on gatherings and social distancing continues nationally, health and activity for the Australian community remains incredibly important, and RunRona participants can complete their event in their local area, while complying with Government restrictions on gatherings.

All profits raised from RunRona entry fees will support health promotion programs in Aboriginal Communities through the work of Spark Health Australia.

Laura Thompson, Managing Director - Clothing the Gap - an Aboriginal owned and led social enterprise and RunRona organiser, said while COVID-19 has impacted daily life, prioritising health and wellbeing has never been more important.

“The COVID-19 crisis has seen fun runs cancelled, gyms close and people unable to physically spend time with each other, so we wanted to ensure there were opportunities to stay physically, mentally and spiritually healthy as well as connect with the Community,” she said.

“We are looking forward to seeing all Australians have a training goal and reason to get moving with their families.”

RunRona aims to promote and encourage good health among all Australians with a focus on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.

“We’re proud to have adopted a tiered registration fee system for RunRona to enable equity in participation among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians,” Thompson said.

“We know that increasing the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and Communities in events such as this will help to increase physical activity levels, and can help reduce people dying earlier from chronic disease.”

The KGI, based at the Richmond Football Club is committed to the health and wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly youth.

Aaron Clark, KGI Director said supporting RunRona aligned with the KGI’s objectives of education, health and connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Communities.

“Both the KGI and Richmond have an important leadership role to play in supporting initiatives that promote good health and wellbeing for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Communities, particularly in challenging times such as these,” he said.

The KGI, with funding from the Federal Government, is delivering a new health program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in Victorian communities of Mildura and Albury/Wodonga and metro Melbourne, called REAL Healthy.

All REAL Healthy participants will have access to take part in RunRona, and will receive plans and information on training, preparation and recovery, featuring KGI roles models and Richmond players, via innovative online platforms.

Aligned Leisure – a subsidiary business of Richmond, which manages health and recreation facilities in regions including Mildura and Albury/Wodonga, will also support REAL Healthy participants training for RunRona through access to facilities and training information.

“RunRona gives us an opportunity to connect with the communities we work with, and continue to deliver important programming that provides positive health outcomes,” Clark said.

The KGI encourages the whole community to participate in RunRona and invites them to register using the code ‘RFCKGI’.  For every ten registrations using this code, the KGI will receive one free registration for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander youth to participate in the event.

“We’re encouraging Richmond members, supporters, staff and players to participate in the event, so that we can provide more access and opportunity for our young people to take part, and stay healthy.”

To register for RunRona, go to clothingthegap.com.au/pages/run-rona and use the code ‘RFCKGI’ to support a young person to have access to the event. All participants receive an Aboriginal designed medal for taking part in the event.