September 2, 2025
Run Rocket Run: 24 Hours for Veteran Mental Health
Rodney “Rocket” Cottam is no stranger to adversity or endurance. A veteran of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, Rodney’s military career and sporting life were cut short in 2004 when a motorbike accident left him with Brachial Plexus Palsy, permanently paralysing his left arm. In an instant, he went from being at peak physical performance to facing a life in a new way.
But rather than letting his injury define him, Rodney chose resilience. Running became both his outlet and his mission, a way to push through pain, find purpose and give back to the veteran community.
He does not do it for medals, or personal glory. He does it for his mates.
“[I am] pushing myself to my physical and mental limits for those who no longer can.”
The 24-Hour Challenge
This year, Rodney is taking on one of his toughest feats yet: the 24-Hour Challenge powered by Run Rocket Run, held on Wednesday 10 September to Thursday 11 September 2025 at Dobroyd Scenic Drive, Balgowlah Heights.
From 6:30am, Rodney will run a 1.56km out-and-back section of the Reef Beach and Dobroyd Head track as many times as possible, for 24 hours straight.
This year’s challenge coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, a date that carries special weight for the veteran community. More Australian veterans are lost to suicide than on the battlefield, an unacceptable truth Rodney and his team refuse to ignore. His goal is clear: to raise awareness, spark conversation and generate funds for Invictus Australia, who use the power of sport to support veterans and their families.
- Donate: Support Rodney’s mission by pledging per lap or giving a set amount here.
- Volunteer: Be part of Rodney’s support team. Volunteers are needed at the start/ finish line and turnaround point throughout the 24 hours. Email info@runrocketrun.com to help.
Rodney’s Fundraising Journey with Invictus Australia
This is Rodney’s fourth major event in support of Invictus Australia, each challenge bigger and bolder than the last.
2022: 350km in 5 Days
Rodney’s first official Run Rocket Run saw him cover 350km in just five days, finishing at the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Running 70km each day for 10 hours, Rodney raised over $41,000, proving the extraordinary impact that one person’s determination can have on veteran wellbeing programs.
2023: 500km from Port Macquarie to Sydney
In his second challenge, Rodney ran 500km in 106 hours, averaging close to 100km per day, from Port Macquarie to Sydney. Despite injuries and the immense physical toll, he pushed through, inspired by his cause. His run concluded at the Anzac Memorial in Sydney, where Invictus Australia Patron General Sir Peter Cosgrove (Retd) hailed him as the embodiment of the Invictus spirit-“Unconquered.”
2024: 560km Across Seven Days
Rodney’s third challenge saw him take on a grueling 560km run across NSW. Facing searing heat, punishing climbs, and mental strain Rodney leant on his wife Amanda, his mates and his physio, who even joined him for 100km of the journey. This effort, like all his past challenges, reaffirmed the power of teamwork, resilience and purpose in overcoming adversity. According to Rodney, these challenges would not be possible without the support of his team, his wife Amanda and business partner Chris.
Why He Runs
Rodney runs not just for himself, but for the veteran community. Challenges like this are about meaning. They are about the mates he has lost, the veterans still struggling and the families who need support.
“As a wounded veteran myself, I know how much this community needs people to rally around them.”
Rodney continued: “Every kilometre, every dollar, goes back to supporting veterans through Invictus Australia.”
His challenges raise vital funds to ensure that Invictus Australia can continue connecting veterans and families to sport, creating opportunities for recovery, resilience, and belonging.
You can support Rodney’s 24-Hour Challenge today by donating here, or by joining his support crew as a volunteer.
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group
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