New partnership combines Run Army’s successful community fundraising events with APOD’s national reach, encouraging more Australians to get active and support charities assisting Defence personnel, veterans, First Responders and their families.
APOD (Australian Partners of Defence) and Run Army have joined forces to encourage more Australians to get active, connect with their communities and support charities making a difference to those who serve and have served.
Building on Run Army’s established success, APOD has secured the naming rights to Run Army Virtual 2027 and is contributing a national marketing and communications package valued at more than $53,000 to help grow participation and raise awareness of its charitable partners.
The partnership brings together two organisations with a shared commitment to Australia’s Defence, veteran and First Responder communities. Run Army has built a successful event combining community participation with charitable fundraising, while APOD, Australia’s largest digitally connected Defence and veteran membership community, connects more than 200,000 approved members with everyday benefits, opportunities and community support.
Since launching in 2021, Run Army has brought together more than 30,000 participants and raised close to $1 million for its nominated beneficiaries. The Brisbane and Townsville events unite Defence personnel, veterans, First Responders, families and the broader public through physical activity and shared purpose.
With more than 2,000 participants in its 2026 virtual event, the partnership will build on that momentum, encouraging greater participation from individuals, families, workplaces and community groups across Australia.
Bringing communities together for a shared purpose
APOD Chief Executive Officer Paul Broadbridge said the partnership reflected the importance of community connection and organisations working together.
“Run Army has built something special. It brings people together for something positive, while raising funds for charities doing important work across our Defence and First Responder communities.
“Our opportunity is to help build on that success, reaching more Australians and giving people right across the country the chance to get involved.
“We’re proud to contribute our reach and resources to help Run Army build on its success”
“At APOD, we’ve always believed that supporting our community goes beyond providing everyday savings and benefits. It’s about creating opportunities, strengthening connections and standing alongside other organisations that make a genuine difference to those who serve and have served. We’re proud to contribute our reach and resources to help Run Army build on its success.”
Supporting those who serve
Major General Jake Ellwood DSC, AM, CSC, Founder and President of Run Army, said:
“At its heart, Run Army is about bringing people together. It provides an opportunity for Defence personnel, First Responders and the wider community to connect, recognise service and give back to the charities that support those who dedicate themselves to helping others.”
“Over the years, we’ve seen the power of community firsthand through the connections forged at our events and the tangible impact of the support provided to our charity partners.”
“APOD’s extensive national network will help us inspire even more Australians to get involved”
“We’re delighted to welcome APOD as a partner. We share a strong commitment to supporting Defence and First Responder communities, and APOD’s extensive national network will help us inspire even more Australians to get involved, no matter where they are.”
Everyone can be part of Run Army
Through the partnership, APOD will use its national communications channels to encourage participation in the virtual event, alongside a presence at Run Army’s Brisbane and Townsville events.
Registrations are now open for Run Army Virtual 2027, with participants able to walk or run their chosen distance wherever they live, individually or with family, friends, colleagues and community groups.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of whether they have a Defence or First Responder connection.
Further information and registration details are available at https://runarmy.org.au/event/virtual/.
