Community
23 April, 2025
Maggie sets the pace for Legacy at Run Army Townsville
The Cloncurry wildlife carer was the highest fundraiser at the major charity event.
Cloncurry's Maggie Hughes is a latecomer to running, but she is enjoying every minute of her new lifestyle.
Two years ago, the thought of running 5km was not on her mind, let alone 10km, but she managed to conquer the distance at this month’s Run Army Townsville event, setting the benchmark as the highest fundraiser.
“Run Army raises money for the Defence Force – past and present veterans and their families – so they can access health, education, scholarships, home care and social services,” said Maggie.
“It’s a charity run more than a fun run.”
The wildlife carer said she nominated North Queensland Legacy as her charity of choice.
“My dad was an army chaplain many, many years ago,” she said.
“In the 1970s, we lived in Charters Towers and he was heavily involved in cadets as well.
“He was the school chaplain of All Souls School, but he had a lot to do with Defence personnel.
“Prior to that, we lived in Perth and he went off to army camps ... we often had veterans at home at our table and I was affected as a 10-year-old by some pretty sad and devastating things.
“So, when Run Army came along – I was looking for something to do, like with running – but something that raised money for a good cause.”
Maggie, who became a regular at Cloncurry parkrun on medical advice, has gone from struggling to get through the 5km each Saturday to nominating for 10km events.
She said the drive to Townsville for Run Army was well worth it after receiving $2487 in donations to complete the distance.
“I actually drove down earlier because there was weather coming in and I didn’t want to get cut off because so many people had chipped in,” she said.
“The money came from local businesses, parkrun buddies and family and friends and I didn’t want to let them down.”
“I hadn’t done 10km before but I reckon I jogged 9km and walked the rest, giving myself a break.
“It was a tribute to my dad. Not only that, my grandfather was an architect in the war and my great uncle was a jackaroo from out west and he was killed in the Battle of the Somme ... he’s buried in France.
“The Defence Force has just got a special place in my heart and I think it’s really important because, let’s face it, in Australia we have a really great life and we can thank our servicemen for that.”
Race director Lieutenant Colonel Simon O’Regan said this year’s Run Army event marked record participation numbers, with more than 2500 people taking part.
“The camaraderie is great, and you get better at running by consistently doing it,” he said.
“I think that’s a great metaphor for life.”