MORE than 20 locals have conquered a week-long challenge to raise awareness and money for child protection charity Bravehearts.
The group ran seven kilometres every day for seven days in seven different Redlands suburbs to raise more than $2500.
The event, called 777 Marathon and held nationally each year, turned virtual for 2020 after the traditional format was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kristyn Ranson, who participated in the national challenge last year, formed a Redlands group made up of the Bayside Runners and Walkers Club members as well as friends, family and colleagues after hearing the news.
"The event has been national in the past but when it became a virtual event it game me the opportunity to do something locally," she said.
The group completed the challenge at Redland Bay, Cleveland, Thornlands, Wellington Point, Thorneside, Victoria Point and Alexandra Hills last week.
Ms Ranson said the event was a huge success, with about 40 people turning up to support the group on Sunday as they finished their final leg under relaxed coronavirus restrictions.
She said her experience in the national event last year had opened her eyes to the scale of child sexual abuse and the runners' efforts had inspired her to raise awareness for Bravehearts.
"Child sexual abuse is a topic that nobody wants to talk about," Ms Ranson said. "It is a very awkward topic.
"People don't realise that one in five are affected by it. It was amazing just having that opportunity to raise awareness that the charity is there to support people who need it.
"With COVID and people being stuck at home, it isn't always a safe place."
Ms Ranson has previously participated in other charity runs, including the diabetes one walk.
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