Challenge DV respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water, and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Make every step count towards a violence-free future
Darkness to Daylight returns for its 12th year in 2025 - back at Parliament House Brisbane on the 29th and 30th of May. Set to be the biggest one yet, join us at this very special community event as we take a collective stand against abuse and raise crucial funds to put an end to domestic and family violence.
In Australia on average 110 people die from domestic and family violence every year. Darkness to Daylight is a 110km run, where each kilometre represents one of those lives lost. We don’t mind if you run or walk, if you complete 3km or 110km. We just ask that you run with a purpose and that you join us in standing up to domestic and family violence.
When you take part in Challenge DV's Darkness to Daylight event, you are making a stand, helping to drive community awareness and intervention, and raising crucial funds to help prevent domestic and family violence.
If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic and family violence, support is available.
Why Darkness to Daylight?
Darkness to Daylight is Queensland’s premier event for domestic and family violence awareness and prevention and Challenge DV’s major fundraiser.
Established by MinterEllison’s Robert Reed OAM in 2014, Darkness to Daylight gives the community the opportunity to do something physical and meaningful to contribute to domestic and family violence prevention, gain a deeper understanding of the public health issue, and honour lives lost, at any time, to domestic violence.
Funds raised go towards Challenge DV’s critical activities, including workplace programs, respectful relationships programs, strategic partnerships, and advocacy, all designed to prevent domestic and family violence in our communities.
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Fundraising
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Every dollar you raise helps us take a stand against domestic and family violence. Darkness to Daylight is more than just a run, it’s a movement for change. Your fundraising supports vital education, training, and awareness programs that empower individuals, workplaces, and communities to prevent domestic and family violence before it begins.
By setting a personal goal, rallying your team, or encouraging friends and family to donate, you’re actively contributing to a safer future. Together, we can shine a light on this critical issue and drive real, lasting change.
Whether this is your first Darkness to Daylight or you’re a returning participant, our fundraising tips can help you reach your goal. Check them out here.
Start fundraising today and be part of the solution.
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The event
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Darkness to Daylight 2025 will take place at Queensland Parliament House, continuing as the only event of its kind held on the Parliament House grounds. Participants and spectators will meet at the front of Parliament House on George Street and will finish back at Parliament House at the end of their chosen distance.
Following an opening ceremony commencing at 6pm on Thursday 29 May, featuring a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Tribal Experience and speaker remarks, each heat will be sent off at staggered intervals so that everyone returns at sunrise for the closing ceremony's final address and musical performances at 6.30am.
3km
Participants will start on Main Street, QUT (the end of George St near Palm Avenue) running through the QUT grounds, over the Goodwill Bridge before turning around at Southbank, and returning to Parliament House. Upon crossing the finish line on the Alice St side of Parliament House, participants will enter the Speaker’s Green.
Duration: 28-45 mins10km
Participants will start on Main Street, QUT (the end of George St near Palm Avenue) running through the QUT grounds, over the Goodwill Bridge and run along Southbank to the turnaround point, and then retrace their steps back to Parliament House. Upon crossing the finish line on the Alice St side of Parliament House, participants will enter the Speaker’s Green.
Duration: 40-80 mins110km
Participants will complete 5km loops throughout the evening, individually or in teams. They will start on Main Street, QUT (the end of George St near Palm Avenue) running through the QUT grounds, over the Goodwill Bridge and run along Southbank to the turnaround point.
Heading back along Southbank and over the Goodwill Bridge, they will then run along the paths around the outside of the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens and back to the start/finish line.
After 4.30am, all participants crossing the start/finish line will be directed onto the 10km course to finish with the other event participants completing the 3km and 10km distances.
Duration: Approx. 13 hours
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Registration
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Registration for Darkness to Daylight is $69 per person. Special arrangements apply for children registered as part of a school team (please contact us at eventcrew@challengedv.org to discuss your school being part of this special event). Volunteers enter for free. Registration is now open and closes Tuesday 27 May 2025 (if not sold out prior).
Ready to get moving for a great cause?
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The Race Kit
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This year, you have two options! You can choose either a Darkness to Daylight T-shirt or a Race Kit, which includes a cap, an armband, and a pair of shoelaces. Based on your selection during registration, you can either pick up your pack at the live event or have it shipped via courier starting from the first week of April.
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The Event Schedule
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Thursday, 29 May 2025
- 6.00pm: opening ceremony
- 6.30pm: overnight run commences
Friday, 30 May 2025
- 5.00am: 10km run to commence
- 5.30am: 3km walk to commence
- 5:34am: first 10km runner to arrive back at finish line
Closing ceremony
- 6.00am: Entertainment to begin
- 6.20am: closing ceremony begins
- 6.55am: closing ceremony close
- 6.55am: Queensland Police Band commence playing
- 7:00am: last 10km participant to arrive back
- 7.00am: event closes
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The Venue
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The event will start and finish at Queensland’s historic Parliament House, Cnr of Alice and George Streets, Brisbane City
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Parking details
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There is limited parking available in the city due to the timing of the event overnight and in the early morning. We encourage participants to carpool or use a taxi/Uber etc to get to the event. There are some 24 hour car parks in the city which are best booked in advance.
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Safety and security
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Participant safety is our top priority. Professional security personnel will be stationed along the course and members of the Queensland Police Service will also be participating in the event. The courses are well-lit and suitable for wheelchairs.
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Food and drinks
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Food and coffee trucks will be available in the evening for overnight event participants, with additional food and coffee options available in the morning to keep you fueled for the challenge.
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Lace up your shoes and see you at the start line!
Fundraiser Leaderboard
- Top Individuals
- Top Teams
How your support helps
Raised $100
Provides 1 hour of face-to-face domestic and family violence prevention training in a community sporting club, led by one of our specialised facilitators, helping to equip individuals with the knowledge to create safer, more supportive environments.
Raised $150
Supports a specialised domestic and family violence (DFV) policy and procedure evaluation for sporting and community groups, enabling them to build safer, more inclusive communities that are equipped to recognise and address DFV.
Raised $200
Funds administration support for the Combined Women’s Refuge Group, assisting in the smooth operation of their essential services and ensuring that survivors of domestic and family violence receive the support they need.
Raised $250
Provides a face-to-face presentation in a school about the importance of DFV prevention, educating young people on the signs of abuse, healthy relationships, and how to support others in need.
Raised $300
Covers the cost of administration support for the Men’s Behavioural Change Program (SPEAQ), which works to address harmful behaviours and create lasting change in individuals, contributing to a reduction in domestic violence.
