Community to walk, run, jog for dementia awareness

Runners, walkers and joggers across the region will lace up their shoes later this year to support the more than 5000 people living with dementia in Greater Geelong.

Registrations opened last week for the Memory Walk & Jog, Dementia Australia’s largest annual fundraiser, which is this year aiming to raise more than $2 million to fund education and services for people living with dementia, their families and carers.

The Geelong iteration of the nationwide event is set for Sunday, May 4 at Eastern Beach Reserve.

Participants can choose to register individually or in teams to complete one of three courses on the day: a two-kilometre walk, 6.5-kilometre walk or jog, or an 8.5-kilometre timed run.

Dogs are welcome on the day, as are fancy dress costumes.

Dementia Australia chief executive officer Professor Tanya Buchanan said the communities participating in the Memory Walk & Jog play an integral role in increasing awareness of dementia and helping to deliver services.

“There are more than 5180 people living with dementia in the Greater Geelong region,” she said.

“Not only does Memory Walk & Jog help raise vital funds but it is an important opportunity to continue a national discussion about dementia and for everyone to get active and socially connect – two key things we can do to help reduce our risk of dementia.”

Dementia is the second leading cause of death nationally, and there are an estimated 420,000 Australians living with the disease.

A further 1.6 million people are involved in their care.

Neighbours actor and Dementia Australia ambassador Takaya Honda encouraged the Geelong community to throw its support behind the event and shared his own experience with the disease.

“Dementia is a disease that touches so many lives – mine included,” he said.

“My mother passed away from dementia in 2023, and I saw firsthand how devastating and isolating the disease can be, not only for the person living with it but also for their family.”

For those affected by dementia, he said, the Memory Walk & Jog served as more than a fundraiser.

“It’s a place to connect with others who truly understand the journey,” he said.

“For me, it was comforting to share space with people who had walked similar paths, offering a sense of community in what can often feel like an isolating experience.”

For more information or to register, head to memorywalk.com.au/event/geelong

If you require support, phone the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.