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Australian veteran Rodney Cottam, who runs with a permanently paralysed arm, will attempt a 48-hour run on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to launch a national campaign tackling the six veteran suicides recorded in Australia every month.
The 48-hour continuous run on the Reef Beach and Dobroyd Head track from 15–17 April kicks off Invictus Australia’s ZERO600 campaign encouraging Australians to rise at 6am for six consecutive days from 1–6 June, get active in support of veterans and their families and raise much needed funds.
Powering the campaign for 2026 are four of Invictus Australia's Exclusive Corporate Partners: Boeing, Ventia, Optus and IPAR. The organisations are united by a shared commitment to the health and wellbeing of Australia's defence community, and their belief in the impact of Invictus Australia to change and save lives.
From 1–6 June, participants across the country will set their alarms for ZERO600, trade the snooze button for a sunrise, and choose their own way to get active.
“Every time I line up for one of these challenges, I think about the veterans who don't get to line up anymore. Running through the night, through pain, through every reason to stop; that's what it means to rise for ZERO600. I do it because they deserve every step,” according to ZERO600 fundraising ambassador Rodney Cottam.
Cottam’s 48-hour challenge is a direct call to Australians everywhere to rise for ZERO600 in June: to sign up, get active, raise funds and stand alongside Aussie veterans and their families. If Rodney can run through the night for 48 hours, setting an alarm for 6am for 6 days feels manageable.
Cottam, who served with the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, sustained life-changing injuries in a motor vehicle accident in 2004 that left his left arm permanently paralysed, ending his military career.
He turned to running as part of his recovery, relearning balance and movement without the use of his arm. Since 2022, he has raised more than $100,000 for Invictus Australia through a series of ultra-endurance challenges under the Run Rocket Run banner.
Every month in Australia, six veterans die by suicide. ZERO600 exists to change that statistic by funding Invictus Australia's national, sport-based programs that are proven to strengthen the mental and physical wellbeing of veterans and their families.
Invictus Australia chief executive officer Michael Hartung said ZERO600 is about mobilising the community to take meaningful action.
“Every month, we lose too many veterans to suicide. ZERO600 is about turning awareness into action; getting Australians moving, connected and actively supporting the men and women, and their families, who have served our country.”
“Sport has the power to restore purpose, build connection and support recovery, and that’s exactly what this campaign is all about. Funds raised through ZERO600 will allow us to invest in life changing sport programs that bring veterans and their families together, build strong communities, cultivate meaningful relationships, strengthen confidence and foster mental resilience.
“The need is great, but the opportunity to make a real difference is even greater. By getting involved, Australians can stand alongside our veteran community and be part of something that truly matters.”
More than 26,000 veterans and their families have already participated in Invictus Australia's programs. But with more than 581,000 veterans across Australia, plus their families, the demand for connection and support is vast.
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