Over 80 HMRI staff, board members, researchers and supporters competed in the 2025 Hill to Harbour event on Sunday.
The HMRI team raised more than $13,000 for life-saving medical research.
Team members collectively ran thousands of kilometres, embodying HMRI’s mission to “take healthy further.”
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) was out in force at Sunday’s iconic Newcastle Hill to Harbour fun run, with more than 80 staff, board members, researchers and supporters lacing up their runners for life-saving research.
The annual Hill to Harbour, now in its 19th year, is one of Newcastle’s most popular community sporting events. The 12-kilometre course takes participants on a scenic journey from the top of King Edward Park, through Newcastle’s CBD, and along the foreshore to finish at Nobbys Beach.
Sporting HMRI singlets featuring local artist, Brett Piva, the team raised over $13,000 and collectively ran hundreds of kilometres in support of the Institute’s mission to “take healthy further”.
HMRI Director and CEO Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin sporting the HMRI Hill to Harbour singlets featuring Brett Piva’s artwork, and Head of Marketing and Communications Mike Collins who completed the race dressed as a germ.
“I’m incredibly proud of our HMRI team for embracing this challenge with such energy and commitment,” said HMRI Director and CEO Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, who also participated in the event.
“Seeing our researchers, staff, board members and supporters coming together not just to run, but to actively raise funds for our work, perfectly demonstrates our Institute’s values. They’re literally putting one foot in front of the other to help create the healthiest million people on the planet.”
The funds raised will support HMRI’s vital research that tackle diseases and health conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, brain and mental health, public health and more.
“Every dollar raised through community fundraisers like this has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of our region,” Professor Kay-Lambkin explained. “This money funds research that could save the lives of those nearest and dearest to us all, our families, friends and neighbours. It allows our researchers to pursue work that might lead to the next medical breakthrough.”
The HMRI Run Club, which meets weekly to train for community events like the Hill to Harbour, was well-represented on the day. The club has grown over the past year, bringing together researchers from different disciplines who share a passion for running.
Dr Matthijs Bekkers, who coordinates the HMRI Run Club, was delighted with the team’s performance.
“It was fantastic to see so many HMRI faces at the start line on Sunday morning,” said Dr Bekkers. “Everyone pushed themselves and achieved great results, from first-timers completing their inaugural 2km, 6km or 12km to our experienced runners setting new personal bests.”
For many HMRI researchers, the event provided a valuable opportunity to step away from the lab and connect with the community they serve.
“Our researchers spend countless hours in labs and clinics working to solve complex health problems,” said Professor Kay-Lambkin. “Events like this remind us of all of the community we’re working for and with. It’s incredibly motivating to feel that support directly from the people of the Hunter.”
“We’re already looking forward to our next challenge,” Dr Bekkers added. “The HMRI Run Club doors are always open to new members, whether you’re a researcher, supporter, or community member who shares our passion for running and medical research.”
