What if you could run to save one of the last wild places on Earth?

Sonia Forouzanfar, a Woodend local and MRSG member is preparing to run over 60kms through the Takayna (Tarkine) area in Tasmania. And she is raising funds to help preserve Takayna’s rainforest through the Bob Brown Foundation. There will  be a film screening on the 21st of March as part of Council’s Changemakers week.

MRSG will present the Takayna film (see below) during the Changemakers week-long festival.
When: Friday 21st of March, 7pm-8:30pm
Where: Kyneton Mechanics Institute
Free Tickets: click here

The Takayna Trail

The Takayna Trail event is a fantastic blend of trail running and environmental advocacy. All participants commit to raising funds leading up to the event while training hard to tackle courses of 22, 37, or 67km on race day, topped off with a complimentary finish line hug from Bob Brown. The community vibe during the weekend is unparalleled. In the evenings before and after the race, everyone—runners, their families, volunteers, and the BBF team—gathers in a community hall to connect, share their love for the forest and running, and enjoy delicious vegetarian meals freshly prepared by BBF volunteers.

Why running to protect Takayna?

Takayna is a remarkable place, home to unique, rare, and often endangered flora and fauna. Preserving Takayna’s rainforest provides numerous benefits, including access to clean air and water, carbon absorption, and a reduced fire risk—services that young plantation forests cannot provide. In this time of climate and extinction crises, where intact rainforests, native forests, clean air and water, and wildlife habitats are disappearing, we must urgently protect Takayna permanently. The Bob Brown Foundation is determined to secure the permanent protection of 495,000 hectares of Takayna in a World Heritage listed national park returned to Aboriginal ownership and Sonia is committed to support the campaign. 

 Sonia’s fundraising efforts and film screening

After having run shorter distances in the past, Sonia says “This year, I have ambitious goals for both my running and fundraising efforts, and I need YOUR help to achieve them.” She has been planning various fundraising activities. In January she hosted a community stall “Forest Fundraiser” at the Woodend Farmers’ Market, where she “connected with many visitors who enjoyed baked goods and generously donated to my run”.

Next on her fundraising agenda is a local screening of the inspiring and hopeful film ‘Takayna - the Heart of Lutruwita’. Click below to find out more about the film - including a trailer:

MRSG will present the film during the Changemakers week-long festival.
When: Friday 21st of March, 7pm-8:30pm
Where: Kyneton Mechanics Institute
Free Tickets: click here

Sonia would greatly appreciate your support in donating or sponsoring her run. And please consider sharing the environmental message within your networks. Make a Donation