ATP | Weight of War
WEIGHT OF WAR RUN
2025
Donations
Contributions towards sponsoring veterans onto the STTN Program
Shirts & Budgys
Super cool stuff to make you even cooler and super-er
FAQ's
Stuff you might want to know
Become a Sponsor
Become a sponsor of the WoWR or contribute to the event's operations
Set Up Your Crowfunding Page
Want to help us raise money for vets? Set up a donations page for you or your team
Register your Gym/Organisation
We will create a dedicated registration page for your organisation with unique co-branding options
Registration
Sign up for your local WoWR or the virtual run
WoWs Story
Learn the origin story of the WoWR and its founder
Contact Us
For all enquiries
Sponsorship for Veterans
Each dollar raised goes directly towards sponsoring veterans into the STTN Program.Each dollar
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Amount
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Upcoming Events
About
The Weight of War
Our Mission: Shoulder the Load.
The Weight of War Run is not a charity fun run. It is a grassroots movement born out of necessity to fight the veteran suicide crisis head-on. We are a community of veterans, families, and civilians who stand together to honour the fallen, support the living, and carry the weight together.
Our mission is simple: To use a shared physical challenge to build a powerful community and raise critical funds for programs that give our veterans the tools they need to win the fight after service.
The Symbolism: The Vest & The Budgys
What we do is symbolic. It's designed to start a conversation.
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The 10kg Weighted Vest: This is a physical manifestation of the invisible weight our veterans carry every single day. It's the burden of memories, the sleepless nights, the relentless internal battle. When you put on the vest, you are making a statement: "I see the weight you carry, and I am here to help shoulder it."
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The Budgy Smugglers: It's confronting. It's meant to be. It takes immense vulnerability to admit you're struggling and to ask for help. The budgys represent that raw, uncomfortable, but necessary step. It’s an act of defiant, gallows humour—the kind that bonds soldiers—to approach a dark subject and strip away its power.
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Our Impact: From Mates to a Movement
What started in 2021 with a few mates running along the Brisbane river has become a powerful, community-driven force. We are a 100% free-to-enter event, driven by purpose, not profit.
To date, this movement has:
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Brought together over 500 participants and thousands of supporters across our Brisbane, Karratha & virtual events.
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Raised a combined total of $42,396.36 through community fundraising and sponsorship.
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Funded a spot for more than 42 veterans on the life-changing Survive to Thrive Nation (STTN) program, giving them tangible tools to rebuild and thrive.
Our Community: No One Gets Left Behind
This is not a race. We don't care about your finish time. We care about the person to your left and right. We start as a team, and we finish as a team. The mission isn't over at the finish line; the debrief and the beer afterwards are just as important. It’s where we connect, share stories, and reinforce the a bonds that make this community unbreakable.
This is our commitment. This is our mission.
Join us!
Shoulder the Load. Move Together.
Meet the Founder:
Josh Atkins
The Man Behind the Mission
The Weight of War Run was born from direct experience, founded by veteran Josh Atkins. After a career in the Australian Army, Josh, like so many others, confronted the reality that the toughest battles often begin after service ends.
He saw firsthand the devastating impact of the veteran suicide crisis and the silent struggles his mates were facing. Frustrated by a system that wasn't providing the right kind of support, Josh knew that simply raising awareness wasn't enough. Action was required.
From a Problem to a Purpose
Driven by a clear mission. To bring back the sense of team, purpose, and uncompromising support that defines military service, Josh created the Weight of War Run. The concept was simple but powerful: create an event where veterans and the civilians who support them could stand shoulder-to-shoulder, do something undeniably hard, and connect in a real, authentic way.
It wasn't designed to be a gentle "fun run." It was designed to be a gut check. The weighted vest became the symbol of the internal fight made external. The budgy smugglers became the symbol of the vulnerability required to confront that fight, using the kind of dark humour that bonds soldiers to break the stigma. The post-run beer became the modern-day debrief, a place to share stories and reinforce the bonds of brotherhood.
Josh leads from the front, shouldering the load alongside every participant on the day. His vision is not just to run an event for veterans, but to build a powerful bridge between the military and civilian worlds. He is creating a self-sustaining community where civilians can stand with our veterans, help carry the weight, and ensure no one has to face the fight alone.
Media Partner
Last year, we had a clear picture in our minds of what we wanted for the Weight of War Run promo, but we struggled to explain it. Allie from Crombie Collective took those rough ideas, filmed the event with precision, and delivered a finished product (as above) that was exactly what we had hoped for. The content she created captured the energy and meaning of the run perfectly and has become a cornerstone of promoting this year’s event.
Allie has a real talent for turning half-formed concepts into polished, professional content that connects with people. If you want someone who can take your vision and bring it to life, I can’t recommend Crombie Collective highly enough.
Weight of War Run 2025 - FAQs
1. What is the Weight of War Run 2025? The Weight of War Run 2025 is an event designed to raise funds to sponsor veterans onto the Survive To Thrive Nation program. Participants run 21km in a weight vest and budgy smugglers, symbolising the weight of war and the balance between strength and vulnerability.
2. When and where is the event taking place? The event will be held on 6 December 2025 at the following locations
1100h Brisbane, QLD, along the river, setting off from Felons Brewing Co.
1100h Crnoulla, NSW, 38R Gerrale St, Cronulla NSW 2230
0430h Karratha, WA
1000h Perth, WA, Level 4/28 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
3. Why a weight vest and budgy smugglers? The vest symbolises the burdens, struggles, and challenges faced by those who have served our country. The budgy smugglers represent vulnerability, reminding us of the human element beneath the armour of strength and bravery.
4. Do I have to run the full 21km? No, while the 21km run is symbolic, participants have the option of scaled distances of 10, 5 and 1 km to walk, ride, or scoot. Any distance is acceptable. The event is inclusive and welcomes all levels of participation.
5. Is there a virtual participation option? Yes! This year, we've introduced a virtual race alongside the in-person event to include participants from all over Australia and the world.
6. How do I register? Participants and spectators can register online for free. The event is completely free, and everyone is welcome.
7. Who are the sponsors for this year's event? Our proud sponsors for the Weight of War Run 2025 are Felons Brewing Co, Pain 2 Performance, Matter Athletica and Athletic Training Protocols
8. How can I prepare for the event? As you train, let the symbolism of the vest and budgys guide you. Reflect on the cause you're supporting, connect with fellow participants, and build a network of support and encouragement.
9. What is the significance of the event? The "Weight of War" is a testament to the stories untold, the battles fought both externally and internally. By participating, you contribute to a narrative of awareness, understanding, and compassion.
10. Can I donate even if I don't participate? Absolutely! Donations are welcome and greatly appreciated. They will go towards sponsoring veterans onto the Survive To Thrive Nation program.
11. How can I get involved other than running? You can volunteer, sponsor, or simply come down on the day to support the runners and be part of the community.
12. What was the outcome of previous Weight of War Runs? In the past 4 events from 2021-24 we have raised $42,398.36 for vets to access the STTN program at no charge to them.
13. How can I spread the word? Share the event on social media, invite friends and family, and encourage your community to get involved. Every mention helps raise awareness!
14. Can I bring my family and friends to support me? Absolutely! The more, the merrier. We encourage everyone to come down, cheer on the participants, and be part of this meaningful event. All we ask is that you register them all, and it's absolutely free.
15. How will I know if I win the raffles? When you purchase your ticket from the Me&U app, the contact details that you have entered into the Me&U will be used to contact you if you win
16. How will the WINNERS be chosen? All entries will be entered into a random generating software, where the machine picks the winners at random. From there, you will be contacted via the details that were left. Due to the possibility of inaccurate details left, you will have 48 hours to confirm your winnings. After 48 hours of no contact, there will be a redraw of that prize, and the process of 48 hours to respond will begin again.
17. What if I don't want any prizes from the raffle? You are free to turn down the prize if you do not wish to accept it. The prize will be redrawn, and a new winner picked
Sponsors
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