Olsen family and friends run overnight to raise funds & Parkinson’s awareness

Rod, Jarod Finn and Jett Olsen at a Marathon in 2019.

Five years ago, Rod Olsen (Ollie) from the Sunshine Coast ran a half marathon with his eldest son Jarod and his grandsons. Ollie's marathon runs have slowed significantly since his Parkinson's diagnosis. Despite this, knowing that every 40 minutes someone in Australia receives the same diagnosis keeps Ollie motivated. Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological disease worldwide, and there is still no cure.

In support of finding a cure for Parkinson’s, Jarod Olsen and 13 running mates from Springfield Lakes and Sunshine Coast are setting off on Saturday June 29 at 1pm from Southbank Brisbane. They will be running through the night and scheduled to finish 114 kms away, at the beginning of the Sunshine Coast’s Step Out for Parkinson’s Walk. The Walk starts at 9am on Sunday 30 June at the Sunshine Coast University Athletics Track.

At the end of the Coast run, three generations of the Olsen family will hand over the Official Running Baton to Mayor Rosanna Natoli, who will officially welcome the Sunshine Coast community walk participants.

In collaboration with three amazing charities – Shake it up Australia, Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy and Parkinson’s Queensland – we are stepping out to raise vital funds for research, support, and further awareness initiatives.

• Everyone is invited to join the Step Out for Parkinson’s Walk, where participants of all ages and abilities will complete laps of the track, raising awareness and funds for the 2500 Sunshine Coast residents living with Parkinson’s Disease while enjoying a fun-filled family event.