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HBF Run for a Reason wins the AMA (WA) & Healthway Healthier WA Award

The Australian Medical Association (WA) and Healthway yesterday presented the annual Healthier WA Award to the HBF Run for a Reason, in recognition of its exceptional contribution to the advancement of health and wellbeing across the Western Australian community.

HBF created the event three years ago to help address the issue of chronic disease – one of the leading causes of death in WA. The health fund recognised that the incidence of health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and mental health issues, could be reduced through the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices, such as physical activity.

Louise Bolt, Community Health Manager, HBF said: “We wanted to develop an enjoyable and inclusive way for West Australians to improve their lifestyles, promoting better nutrition and fitness and reflecting our commitment to the WA community – both members and non members alike.” The HBF Run for a Reason, presented by The West Australian, this year raised more than $780,000 for charities fighting chronic illness in WA, such as the Cancer Council WA, the Heart Foundation, Diabetes WA and Lifeline WA as well as over 100 other charities nominated by participants. Since the event began three years ago over $1.3 million has been raised.

“The response to and participation in the HBF Run for a Reason has been overwhelmingly positive, helping us become one of the top community events on the Australian sporting calendar. We are incredibly grateful to all of our sponsors and partners who make the event possible, as well as each and every participant who is working towards making WA a healthier community,” Ms Bolt said.

The event has grown rapidly – from 10,450 participants in its first year to 20,100 in 2012 – surpassing all targets and selling out to capacity. HBF intends to use the $10,000 AMA and Healthway grant to expand the event further next year – in particular making it more accessible to lower socio-economic communities.

“While we have made every attempt make the HBF Run for a Reason affordable and accessible to all, there is still a fee involved. We intend to use the prize money to work with local Councils to offer approximately 150 free entries and supporting packs to individuals from low socio-economic areas, inviting them to take part in the event and preceding training,” Ms Bolt said.

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For further information please contact:

Melanie Claessen
Media and Communications Consultant
08-9265-6361  / 0400-074-007
Melanie.claessen@hbf.com.au