Beyond the finish line: Championing child protection one marathon at a time

For the past four years, Branka Lazic has been a familiar face among the national runners of Bravehearts’ 777 Marathon a gruelling event spanning seven marathons in seven states and territories over seven consecutive days. 

This year marks the end of her remarkable journey, with Branka completing her final 777 Marathon and closing a powerful chapter in her advocacy for child protection.

The Bravehearts 777 Marathon is no ordinary race. Each year, a core team of committed participants run a full or half marathon in seven major Australian cities in seven consecutive days, starting in Perth and finishing at the Gold Coast Marathon. 

The event is designed to raise awareness and vital funds for Bravehearts a leading Australian organisation dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse through education, advocacy, training and support services.

“It’s hard to explain what the 777 means until you’ve done it,” Branka said. “It’s physically demanding, but it’s the emotional toll  hearing the stories, carrying the cause that stays with you. It’s why we run.”

Branka first took part in the marathon in 2022, driven by a deep personal commitment to child safety and a strong belief in prevention and education as key tools for change. Since then, she has completed more than 1,180 km as part of the event, raising awareness in every state and mobilising communities around Bravehearts’ mission to prevent and treat child sexual abuse.

Her fundraising record is as impressive as her running. In her first year, Branka raised over $21,000, doubling her initial goal. She followed this with $23,000 in 2023 and a remarkable $27,230 in 2024 a total that was matched by supporters, bringing the combined contribution to more than $57,000.

In 2025, her final campaign exceeded its $11,000 target to raise $13,360. Collectively, Branka’s four-year contribution now surpasses $114,000.

“All I wanted was to make a difference to do something meaningful with my time, my energy and my voice,” she said. “I never imagined the response would be this generous.”

Across the years, Branka has become not just a fundraiser, but a public advocate for child protection. At every leg of the 777 Marathon, she has shared Bravehearts’ key messages with local communities and media.  Her efforts have helped shine a light on the prevalence of child sexual abuse and the importance of early intervention.

In 2023, an Australian study found that 1 in 4 Australians had experienced child sexual abuse. The funds raised through the 777 Marathon help support Bravehearts’ suite of programs, including personal safety education in schools and early learning settings, specialist counselling services, advocacy and public policy engagement.

While 2025 was her final year as a national runner, Branka’s connection to Bravehearts and the 777 community remains strong. She said the decision to step back was not made lightly, but reflects a natural closure to this particular journey.

“I’ve given it everything I could, physically and emotionally. It’s time to rest and to let others take up the baton,” she said. “But I’ll always be a Braveheart at heart.”

As Branka takes her final bow, she encourages others including educators, centre managers, service providers and sector stakeholders to consider how they can support Bravehearts’ mission.

“You don’t have to run seven marathons to make a difference,” she said. “You can host a fundraiser, start conversations about child safety, or sign up to get involved in Bravehearts Day, coming up in September during National Child Protection Week. Every action counts.”

In the early childhood education and care sector, where child safety is foundational to practice and policy, initiatives like the 777 Marathon serve as a reminder of the broader ecosystem that supports children’s wellbeing. Branka’s efforts exemplify the impact individuals can have when they connect passion with purpose.

And her legacy will continue to echo well beyond the marathon course. The awareness she has raised, the funds she has contributed, and the courage she has inspired in others form part of a lasting impact in the ongoing fight to protect children.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, not just the money raised, but the awareness and conversations started,” she said. “If even one child has been protected because of this work, then every kilometre has been worth it.”

To learn more about Bravehearts and how to support the organisation’s vital work, please visit bravehearts.org.au