This is a national fundraising initiative driven and run by Stand Tall for PTS and REDSIX, supporting mental health and PTSD awareness. Genesis Health + Fitness is excited to back this initiative by providing 25 treadmills at 28 participating clubs and offering FREE 14 Day Passes to people training for the Challenge*. 

This year’s event highlights the urgent need for mental health support, especially for those in military, police, fire, ambulance, and SES services.  

Despite growing awareness, mental health disorders and PTSD continue to threaten Australians’ well-being. The World Health Organisation predicts that depression will be the leading cause of disease burden globally by 2030, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that 42.9% of people aged 16–85 years had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life, highlighting a crisis we cannot ignore. 

“Our charity is run by volunteers and gets no government funding,” says Stand Tall for PTS spokesperson, Nathan Kingston. “The charity has made a difference to others for 15 years. I love seeing lives transformed, [and the] Genesis Health + Fitness staff have come on board in a big way as they understand the statistics and that taking part will help break the stigma of mental health.”  
 
The 12-Hour Treadmill Challenge encourages participants to walk or run for 1-3 hours, raising funds for wellness programs and support services for those affected by mental health and PTSD. Every step directly funds initiatives to improve mental health outcomes, especially for those in high-risk roles. 

By joining the 12-Hour Treadmill Challenge, participants commit to both physical action and supporting a future of compassion and effective mental health care. Their dedication fuels services that can change and save lives. 

Participants are encouraged to engage with their local Genesis Health + Fitness club or gym. 

Event Details: 

• Date: Saturday, 1st March 2025  

• Location: Participating Genesis Health + Fitness clubs, plus other gyms and fitness facilities in locations across Australia  

• How to participate: Walk or run for 1-3 hours to help raise funds and awareness for mental health.  

For more information and to register for the event, visit https://stand-tall-4-pts.grassrootz.com/12-hr-treadmill-challenge or contact Madeleine Laurita at 0497 091 751 or [email protected].  

*T&Cs Apply, see website for details.