An Illawarra owned and operated nationwide event business running military inspired obstacle course races in every state has entered into a charity partnership to help the Black Dog Institute raise $100,000 for mental health.
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Mud, Mates and Mental Health campaign will run over the next three years and draws on the popularity of the Australian special forces' created physical and mental health challenges organised by True Grit Events.
The events provide the perfect mix of fun, fitness and friends to give thousands of racers of all ages and fitness levels a sense of achievement and accomplishment.
The nine year old business was acquired by Wollongong's Tom Gilmartin and Courtney Butler in mid 2020 and Ms Butler said fundraising initiative with the Black Dog Institute couldn't come at a more important time.
"Partnerships like this form a crucial part in finding our way through challenging situations like the current pandemic," she said.
"We hope to continue to empower individuals to overcome mental and physical adversity through tackling our obstacle courses while raising funds and awareness for an important charity like Black Dog Institute.
"Mental health issues are on the rise, magnified since the onset of the global pandemic. In Australia alone, more than three quarters of people claim their mental health has worsened since the outbreak of COVID-19, according to a study by the Black Dog Institute.
"We have set ourselves a big target of raising $100,000 over three years but since launching this partnership a few days ago the response we have had from our participants has been amazing.
"I think with the second lockdown people are struggling more and what we are trying to achieve really resonates with them. They are excited about being able to register for the 2022 events and being able to raise money for such a great cause."
Many are choosing to either donate when they register or set up a fundraising page for friends and relatives to sponsor them for charity.
Black Dog Institute's Karen Elliff said partnering with True Grit was perfect because the benefits of physical activity on mental health are so significant.
"Community events like True Grit incorporate so many features that are proven to improve a person's wellbeing, such as connection, learning new skills and helping others," she said.
"We are proud that this partnership helps us get one step closer to our aim of a mentally healthier world for everyone.
"Organisations like True Grit play a vital role in supporting the prevention and management of mental health conditions."
True Grit will also be running a "Black Dog Wave" at each event to connect like-minded individuals who may not have a team to run with so they can help each other tackle the course.
The Black Dog Institute recently issued 5 Simple Tips to help get people moving during lockdown. And True Grit has free training programs on its website to help people prepare for each state event.
Ms Butler said it was great being part of a business that made people feel such a great sense of accomplishment while pushing their physical boundaries and having fun.
"It was started by two ex SAS guys and my husband Tom and I bought it halfway through 2020," she said.
"It was strange buying a business that relies on mass participation in the middle of a pandemic.
"We previously both worked heavily in a tourism business. We have both been involved in events and putting on events in the past and we basically fell in love with this business and found out the previous owners were looking for a change.
"It suited our lifestyles and our skill sets perfectly. I come from a marketing and admin background and Tom comes from an operational and events background.
"We basically travel around Australia putting on obstacle course events with one in each of the major states every year. People love it. We have put on a couple of events this year prior to the latest lockdown and people are looking forward to more when restrictions ease. People are desperate to get out of the house and put their lockdown fitness skills to the test again."
Ms Butler said around 3000 people competed in each event and the next NSW event will be held on the Hawkesbury near Windsor in early March 2022. The next national 24 hour enduro event is at the same location on the same month.
"Basically it is a 10km military inspired course with about 30 obstacles," she said.
"It has a strong focus on camaraderie and team work. People tend to come with their gym group, their mothers group or family and friends. They have a bit of fun, roll around in the mud and get each other through the course."
Ms Butler said with the business now being based in Wollongong they have just taken on new social media , marketing and admin staff who are all be based in the Illawarra.
"We are quite passionate about keeping things local," she said.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
