Running With Purpose Couple Take on Paluma Ultra for CORES QLD

Kirsten Loader (right) with fellow runner Julia Oner, who will be lacing up for October’s Outer Limits Adventure Paluma Ultra Trail Run, using the 52-kilometre challenge to raise awareness and funds for CORES QLD. Photo supplied

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Kirsten Loader and her team of eight runners are hoping to spread awareness, spark important conversations and raise invaluable funds for CORES QLD as they lace up for October’s Outer Limits Adventure Paluma Trail Run, taking on runs from six to 20km long.

Kirsten said the decision to combine their participation in the race with a fundraising campaign for CORES QLD; a community-driven initiative providing free one-day suicide intervention training and mental health support across regional Queensland, was deeply personal, after her partner Chris lost his father to suicide in 2022.

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“It was a completely unexpected and devastating loss, and sadly this was not the first time Chris had lost someone close to him in this way,” said Kirsten.

“I have watched firsthand how easy it is to become buried in grief and [Chris’s] reluctance to reach out and ask for help.  

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“I have wanted to do something in honour of Chad for some time to remind Chris that we know how much he mattered. He was a very loved and respected member of our community, and his loss was felt deeply by a lot of people.”

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Through their fundraising efforts, Kirsten hopes to amplify the message that it’s okay for men to speak openly about their emotions, while challenging the stereotype that men must always be strong, resilient and emotionless.

“There is help out there and it is OK to say you are not doing well and you need some help,” Kirsten said.

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“CORES is a locally run charity whose heart and soul, local man Ross Romeo, has done incredible things for our community. In raising awareness for this cause and bringing it back to the forefront of people’s minds, we hope to help erase the stigma around reaching out.”

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Kirsten will be joined by eight dedicated runners as they take on the challenge, with the group set to spend October fundraising and raising awareness for CORES QLD.  

While the group prepare to tackle their runs, Kirsten and Chris are encouraging members of the community to get behind the cause in whatever way they can, whether that means contributing to the fundraiser, spreading the word or simply starting an important conversation.  

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