Fitzy’s Weight of War 2025: Shoulder the Load, Move Together
Australian Army veteran Shane “Fitzy” Fitzpatrick will embark on an extraordinary challenge this November, running 43 km per day for six consecutive days from Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney to the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, all while wearing a 10 kg weighted vest.
Fitzy’s Weight of War 2025 is more than a physical challenge—it is a mission to raise awareness of veteran mental health struggles and fund life-changing programs for those in need.
About the Challenge
Dates: 3–8 November 2025
Distance: 43 km per day × 6 days = 258 km total
Weighted Vest: 10 kg
Route: Holsworthy Barracks (Sydney) → Australian War Memorial (Canberra)
The run carries deep symbolism: 42 km represents soldiers lost in Middle East conflicts, and the 43rd km honours veterans who have taken their own lives post-service. The weighted vest represents the invisible burdens carried daily by many veterans.
Fitzy aims to raise $50,000, with every $1,000 sponsoring one veteran into the Survive to Thrive Nation (STTN) program, a leading mental health and transition program for veterans. “I carry this weight to show what so many veterans carry every day. Together, we can lighten that load.” Shane “Fitzy” Fitzpatrick
There are a number of meaningful ways to get involved in Fitzy’s Weight of War 2025. Donations play a crucial role, with every $1,000 raised helping a veteran access critical mental health support through the Survive to Thrive Nation (STTN) program. Community members can also join the challenge by running sections alongside Fitzy or supporting him at the daily finish points, providing encouragement and solidarity throughout the six-day journey.
The Weight of War movement has already achieved impressive results. In 2024, 173 runners and more than 300 supporters participated, raising $42,545.42 to support veteran mental health. This fundraising directly enabled 42 veterans to be sponsored into the STTN program, receiving the assistance necessary to rebuild their lives.
“Fitzy’s challenge embodies the very heart of Weight of War, veterans and civilians uniting to shine a light on the struggles too many face in silence,” said Josh Atkins, Director of Weight of War.
Fitzy’s 2025 mission aims to build on this momentum, shining a national spotlight on the mental health challenges faced by veterans while providing tangible support through fundraising, community engagement, and collective action.
