Pound the pavement to fight domestic violence

Some members of Tracey Hobbs training for the challenge. Picture: Supplied (image taken prior to current Public Health Orders)

Locals are being encouraged to dust off their sneakers and hit the street to fight domestic violence.

The fourth annual Run Against Violence Virtual Team Challenge aims to raise awareness of domestic and family violence with participants running 1300 kilometres.

Last year the challenge raised $120,000 and had 3000 participants - this year's goal is $180,000 and 5000 participants.

Engadine local Tracey Hobbs will join the event as a member of the Red Hot Chili Steppers.

She said she was inspired to take part after reading about event organiser Kirrily Dear's trek from Broken Hill to Sydney to fight family violence.

"I had just started to learn to run and wasn't even able to run five kilometres in one go so 1300 kilometres was just crazy," she said.

"I then read more about why she was doing this run and the statistics regarding family violence, and I was horrified.

"I admire Kirrily's determination to make change and not let the 'I'm only one person' mentality deter her, so I signed up to a team to complete the virtual challenge which raced her to Sydney and I've be a part of the event every year since."

During the challenge teams of up to 20 people will walk or run in their local area, adhering to current Public Health Orders.

Their distances will be uploaded daily onto an online tracker which collects and collates each team member's distances.

Ms Hobbs said taking part in the event was just one small step in the fight against domestic violence.

"We need to end the stigma associated with talking about family violence and speak up if we see or hear something not right," she said.

"We need to raise awareness so that people feel comfortable asking for help if they need it.

"The statistics regarding family violence incidents are not getting any better, especially in lockdown, and I feel we need to do more to help those who are impacted by family violence have a voice."

Ms Hobbs said no running experience was needed to take part in the virtual challenge.

"You can join in just by walking around your block each day, even a weekly game of golf, bowls or tennis can be counted towards your team's target," she said.

"The more the merrier - and you might even make some new friends in the process.

"I am aiming for 130 kilometres (silver category) in 19 days which is around nine kilometres per day so while that sounds like a lot, it's about an hour and a half walk every day.

"I don't do that much training at all, maybe a few walks or runs a couple of times a week.

"The main aim is to start conversations about family violence prevention and help remove the stigma and barriers that prevent people asking for help."