Bravery Trek concluded in Canberra on October 15 with a 50km ultra-marathon, joined by 150 locals who climbed Mount Ainslie for the final 10km leg.
Dubbed the Final Frontier, some had run a 250km journey over five weeks contributing to the collective 31,068km total.
The conclusion was marked with a community breakfast at Parliament House.
Leading Aircraftwoman Caylee Wallis, who participated as a runner, said pushing through the pain was a small price to pay for supporting a worthy cause.
“For me it’s just step by step, just keep taking another step and you’ll be another step closer,” she said.
“It’s for everybody. You don’t have to be a fantastic runner to be involved. There’s always other options, like walking or going with a mate.”
The fundraising event held to honour veterans from contemporary wars was led by serving and ex-serving ambassadors.
Bravery Trust, the event organiser, provides financial support, education and counselling to veterans and families in hardship.
For participant Colonel Andrew Deacon, it meant giving back through community support.
“Bravery Trust is raising awareness of their work through the Bravery Trek,” he said.
“The important work they do is assisting current and serving members of the ADF with financial aid, financial education and financial counselling to help them get back on their feet.”
The trek has been held annually across various locations since 2020.
Bravery Trust was established in 2012 by Vietnam veteran Graham Edwards to provide free advice, education and counselling to current and former ADF members and support their families.
