The Bloody Long Walk national series: a 35km walk in Newcastle (from Barton Field, Belmont to Foreshore Park) on Sunday 23 August, 2026. Shifts available throughout the day between 5.30am-5pm. Shifts will be no more than four hours.

Mito Foundation (MF) is the only organisation in Australia dedicated to supporting and empowering people affected by mitochondrial disease (mito).

Mito is a debilitating genetic disorder that robs the body’s cells of energy, causing single or multiple organ dysfunction or failure, and can be fatal. People with mito may experience a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, hearing or vision loss, heart issues, diabetes, kidney disease, and more. Mito affects one in 5,000 people, making it the most commonly diagnosed, serious genetic disease after Cystic Fibrosis. There are no cures and few effective treatments.

The Mito Foundation supports people affected by mitochondrial disease (mito), by funding essential research into the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures of mitochondrial disorders, providing resources and support services for mito community members and their families, and increasing awareness and education about this devastating disease. Our vision is to be the catalyst for energy, hope and cures for every Australian impacted by mito.

The Mito Foundation has a small number of staff, so we rely heavily on the generosity of volunteers to enable The Bloody Long Walk to take place. Whether you are studying event management or fundraising, you know someone who is doing the walk, you are a Mito Foundation supporter, you have a connection to mito, or are just keen to help out and have a lovely day meeting new people, this is a great event to get involved with!

We'd love your help with the following roles:

Check In Assistant You will be the first person our participants see in the morning! So a cheery disposition is a must! You will be assisting our participants to check in and receive their bib.

Participant Marshal Directing participants into the correct lines and into the start gate. Making sure the lines are running smoothly.

Checkpoint Assistant Cheering on our participants through 1 of 6 checkpoints ensuring they are watered and fed, with fruit and water provided by the Mito Foundation. Providing encouragement and support to participants!

Woo Crew Woo!!! This is for the cheerful, outgoing and super bloody friendly volunteer who can stay on their feet all day cheering our participants through the finish line, giving out water, fruit and encouragement.

Fundraising Rewards Distribution Congratulating participants on completing the walk and handing out t-shirts, books and backpacks at the finish line to participants who have reached the set fundraising targets.

Volunteer shifts are a maximum of four hours.

We need more than 50 volunteers to assist us with various tasks for the Bloody Long Walk. In return volunteers will be provided with a t-shirt and hat (to keep!), and they will play a part in raising desperately needed funds that will help find a cure for mito!

If you'd like to:

• Spend time outdoors in a picturesque location
• Meet new people
• Support a great cause
• Have a bloody great time!

Please apply to volunteer with us!