The Royal Run for Research is a fun virtual fitness challenge that helps fund critical patient care initiatives and life-saving medical research that would not be possible without community support.
Whether you walk or run, go solo or with friends, join us this April as we help improve the lives of thousands of Queenslanders. Time to get moving!
Get started in 4 easy steps....
1. Register
Sign up to the Royal Run for Research as an individual or team.
2. Set your goals
Set your personal kilometre (distance) and fundraising ($$) goals for the month of April.
3. Share
4. Get running
Stay active in April and track your kilometres as you go.
This April, how far can you go?
Did you know that on average, adults walk 110–170 km and runners average 60–120 km every month?
At it's heart, the Royal Run for Research is a fundraising challenge so no matter what distance you move you are helping to advance patient care and life-saving research at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.
However - for those that need a little help in working out what to set as their challenge distance, we've created some handy guides below.
Beginners: New to running? Aim for around 40kms. This equates to roungly 20-30 minutes of running, 2 to 4 times per week.
Intermediate: For intermediate runners we recommend aiming for around 80km. This equates to roughly four 5km runs per week.
Advanced: You do this already you don't need us to tell you what to do!! But if you really need some guidance, we recommend pushing for some longer, more frequent distances and aiming for around 100-120kms for the month.
The Gift of a Second Life
Most people have one life. Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) cancer patient Franky Nawei strongly believes he has two, thanks to the Gift of Time for medical research (through the extraordinary power of giving).
His first life was before cancer. And the second life is now, after life-saving CAR T cell treatment for cancer.
“I am very, very and truly grateful that this is my second life,” said Franky.
“I will make sure that this second life, I bring more value to the community.”
In late 2021, Franky became one of the very first people in Australia to receive CAR T cell therapy at RBWH, the only centre in Queensland approved to offer the treatment. He had been diagnosed the previous year with an aggressive form of blood cancer, called primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL).
Franky was only 32 years old, fit and healthy. His only symptoms were a persistent rash and intermittent cough.
At RBWH, the lymphoma was attacked with every possible treatment. Each time, the cancer returned.
Franky’s last hope was CAR T Cell therapy. It was available overseas but was not yet in Australia. For twelve long months, RBWH kept Franky alive until the premiere cancer centre received accreditation to deliver the life-saving therapy.
“Instead of hating my cancer and asking ‘Why?’ you accept it and treat it as your friend. That's the mindset that my godmother really guided me through during that very tough one-year journey,” said Franky.
Today, Franky is again volunteering at the temple, training at gym and relishing his very special second life.
“People who donate to medical research have a very compassionate mind where they donate money or time that actually gives people a second chance at their life and to be someone that is better.
“Thankful is just a word but I'm actually very grateful and very privileged to have their gift of research.”
