• Sixth year of Darkness to Daylight Challenge attracts a record 2,700 participants
• From direct fundraising donations alone, the event has already raised over $132,000

In 2019, from direct fundraising donations, registrations and sponsorship, the D2D Challenge has already raised over $217,000. The final figure (after final sponsorships and donations are tallied) should be significantly higher.

The challenge for participants is to run as much of the 110km course on Brisbane’s South Bank as they can [individually or in a relay team] - as each 1km represents, on average, a life lost to domestic and family violence in Australia in the year the event began. Alternatively, participants can partake in the final 10km and 3km challenge the following morning, which enables everyone the ability to play their part in ending domestic and family violence.

Over 2,700 participants took part this year, up from 2,300 in 2018.

In 2017 and 2018 alone, the event raised in excess of $330,000 for Australia's CEO Challenge (ACEOC).

MinterEllison is an inaugural and major supporter, providing administrative and logistical support, and also had over 130 people participating across all distances who together have helped to raise over $17,000. The firms people covered a total of over 1,200km on the night.

“This event helps show the number of people who are willing to stand up against domestic violence,” said Mr Reed, who himself ran 90km overnight.

“The event brings out a huge number of stories and provides a tangible and physical way for participants to take a stance on this issue,” said Mr Reed. “Each year I see people go above and beyond in their running on the night, and keep going, because they understand the value and the cause. It is humbling to see the courage and dedication.”

“People have their own stories, their own reasons, and their own approach to the running – but we all want to eliminate domestic and family violence,” said Mr Reed. “The event will grow next year, no doubt. It has taken on a life of its own which is a wonderful thing.”

“It’s good to see young people getting involved with a number of schools participating,” said Mr Reed. “The event allows us to get in touch with the next generation. It’s a fun, physical and meaningful way for the younger generation to get involved in the cause and understand it.”

“Glenala High School is one of the firm's community partners and I am proud to see the way they have embraced the event,” noted Mr Reed. “This year their singers performed wonderfully at the opening ceremony, and once again had hundreds of staff and students come in from the outer suburbs to run in the morning .”

MinterEllison Brisbane Managing Partner Trent Forno praised Mr Reed's personal leadership of the D2D Challenge: "The D2D Challenge is important to MinterEllison, and Rob's leadership and drive have been inspirational. The event would not exist without him."

Money raised helps ACEOC with its work in domestic violence prevention through workplace and community partnerships and awareness raising activities.

To donate and find out more, please visit the D2D Challenge website.