Commit and get fit with Run4Blue!

Run4Blue was conceptualised by Senior Constable Natalee Cunningham of the WA Police Force and Senior Constable Tammy Watson of the NT Police Force back in 2018 and held its first run the following year.

Now in its fifth year and a nationwide charity event that sprints throughout the month of May, Run4Blue asks participants to choose the kilometres they wish to run, walk, or wheel to raise money for Police Legacy groups and the families of fallen officers.

Of Run4Blue’s success, Senior Constable Natalee Cunningham said that the event continues to grow in popularity and attendance every year, with this year’s event attracting 977 participants, 145 of which were from WA, and plenty of new faces.

“Last year, Run4Blue made a presentation at the National Police Association Conference in Canberra and was given a large sponsorship donation. I thought long and hard about how best to spend this donation and decided to try to get remote Indigenous communities involved in this year’s event. We had three remote Indigenous communities from WA (Burringurrah, Kalumburu and Blackstone) get involved and display fantastic spirit and participation”, she said.

The Burringurrah school has noticed a significant improvement in children’s enthusiasm for physical activity and a strengthening of their relationships with Police because of Run4Blue. School principal Jasmine Harris has even asked if the children could continue running up the kilometres after the event is done, citing the Run4Blue as a very rewarding and enriching experience.

The 2023 event was a massive success, smashing expectations and surprising even Natalee herself who never dreamed that Run4Blue would grow so big just five years on.

“When this year kicked off, we had donated a total of $430,000 nationally to Police Legacy and my 2023 goal was to tip over half a million dollars”, she said.

Her dream came true with WA raising $12,546 and the 2023 event bringing in an overall $133,344 – an impressive feat.

Natalee believes Run4Blue to be more than just a charity fundraiser, but a two-pronged event that allows participants to improve their physical health while contributing to a great cause.

“Everyone wins when they participate in Run4Blue”, she said.

Next year she has big plans to follow in the footsteps of the NSW Police Academy and introduce a day where all eight states are involved in a nationwide event, including fun activities like dodgeball and running races to get more members signed up and supporting Police Legacy.

“The work Police Legacy’s do is so vitally important and continuing to make financial contributions is critical for their ongoing success”, she said. ■

GREG STEWART GESB Key Account Manager for WA Police