Make your marathon matter and fundraise for kids with dementia
Ready to take on a challenge? You can make your effort count even more by raising funds for children with dementia. Whether it's a half-marathon, marathon, or ultra-marathon adventure, we've got a special incentive to motivate you.
How it works
Follow these 4 simple steps to get started.
1. Choose your event
Explore upcoming events below or, if you're already signed up for an event, move on to step 2 to create your fundraising page.
2. Create your fundraising page
Once you've registered for your event, click on the 'Start Fundraising' button on the Grassrootz event page. Create your page and then you're ready to go.
3. Raise $1,000 or more
Share your page and your motivation with your community and get those donations rolling in. We're here to help you with some tips along the way.
4. Get your entry fee reimbursed
Hit your fundraising target by midnight on race day and we'll reimburse your entry fee - it's that easy!
This offer is open to Australian residents entered in an official event, and who fundraise $1,000 or more as an individual on an official Grassrootz fundraising page. Race fees will be reimbursed in the month following the event. Terms and conditions apply.
Not up for a marathon but still want to fundraise? Create your own adventure here.
Upcoming events
2025 Portsea Twilight
Saturday, 04 January 2025
Sun Run 2025
Saturday, 01 February 2025
8 fundraisers signed up!
2025 Hobart Run The Bridge
Sunday, 02 March 2025
Got a different event in mind? Take a look at all the upcoming events on our Grassrootz event page.
Your impact
Why support childhood dementia?
Tragically, hundreds of thousands of children across the world suffer from dementia. It’s caused by more than 100 progressive genetic conditions that damage the brain and nervous system and cause cognitive decline.
In Australia, a baby is born every 3 days with a childhood dementia disorder from which they will die. 50% of these children will die before their 10th birthday; 70% before they reach adulthood. These children experience significant pan and suffering in their short lives, and do not have access to adequate care and support. Their families bear the burden of their immense care requirements while they endure the icomprehensible grief of watching their children die slowly.
Childhood dementia causes a similar number of deaths in Australia to childhood cancer for patients aged 0-14 years. Yet most people are unaware of childhood dementia.
Creating awareness by challenging yourself and fundraising is a powerful way you can help these children and their families.
Meet some of the people fundraising for children with dementia
Mick Simpson’s Walk Over Dementia
After his own dementia diagnosis, Mick decided to raise awareness and funds for not only adults with dementia, but kids too.
In June 2023, Mick walked over 180 kms from Kyabram to Melbourne’s Parliament House, to inspire change and reduce the stigma around living with dementia. He was interviewed on the radio, for TV, met with MPs and along his walk he shared his message and inspired people to donate.
It’s deeply touching seeing adults like Mick who are living with dementia passionately advocating for their childhood counterparts. Adults understand first-hand what children are going through and can share this in a way a child never will.
We know Mick's incredible achievement left a lasting impression on people across Victoria and Australia.
Al’s Gold Coast Marathon
Al is dad to Isla and Jude, who both have dementia. He told us that this has been a journey filled with heartache, frustration and a desire to find a cure.
In July 2023, he ran 42 kms in the Gold Coast Marathon for his beautiful children and to raise funds and awareness for all kids with dementia. He said the marathon is “a way for me to channel my love and dedication for Isla and Jude” and that “knowing that my efforts will make a difference in the lives of others helps me stay focused and dedicated to my training.”
The response to Al was great, helping him raise much more than he thought possible. “First and foremost, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards those who donated,” and that his supporters “inspired me to push harder to bring about positive change in the lives of children like Isla and Jude.”
3 Peaks Challenge
In November 2023, this determined group of 6 scaled three peaks in the Victorian high country to champion children with dementia. As you can see, they navigated tough terrain as part of the 3 Peaks Challenge.
Together, they raised an incredible $20,000 and generated a wave of awareness for childhood dementia among their friends, families and colleagues.
This group isn't just climbing mountains; they're part of a larger movement changing the world for children with dementia. A movement pushing for treatments and the support children urgently need. We are in awe and send our heartfelt thanks to these intrepid trekkers and everyone who donated to them.
Denison College Students FACE it
In September 2023, students from Denison College at the Bathurst High Campus joined our annual awareness campaign, FACE it.
FACE it is alll about making childhood dementia impossible to ignore. Workplaces, families and schools all shared photos of their colourful faces on Childhood Dementia Day.
The students really enjoyed making their faces colourful. They added a simple fundraiser to the day via a gold coin donation to increase their impact and create lasting change for kids with dementia.
We can't wait to see colourful faces across schools in September 2024. Learn more here.
