Registrations are open for the 6th annual Women on the Run event, which supports the work of domestic violence charity Zahra Foundation Australia.

The annual event invites all South Australians to walk or run the 4km-return stretch of beach between Grange and Henley jetties on Sunday March 21 while wearing a backpack filled with non-perishable foods to donate after they cross the finish line.

Carrying this extra weight symbolises the situation many women and children face when they escape violent households – fleeing with only the belongings they can fit in a hastily packed bag.

Registration closes 15 March 2021 and will cost $30 for individuals. Families with a maximum of four members can register for the discounted value of $70 while teams with a maximum number of six members can register for $100.

Funds raised by registrations will support Zahra Foundation’s empowerment program and financial counselling service, which break the cycle of abuse by helping women gain financial independence after leaving an abusive relationship.

Demand for these services has soared amid the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic but current funding levels mean the foundation is only able to help a quarter of the women who apply.

At least one woman is murdered every week in Australia by her partner or former partner. Zahra Foundation was established by the children of Zahra Abrahimzadeh, who was killed by her estranged husband at the Adelaide Convention Centre in March 2010.

This event is an annual reminder of Zahra’s bravery and hope for the future.

This year’s Women on the Run event is supported by major sponsor Credit Union SA and supporting sponsors Foodbank, SA Road Runners, Riviera Bakery, Conroy’s and Chilly Billy. Foodbank staff will be on hand to collect and distribute food donations carried by participants.

Organisers will follow a COVID-safe plan for the event including check in and race timings to ensure SA Government guidelines are followed.