Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
The de Castella Run was first held in 1981, organised by the Burke Hall / Xavier College Parents association to support the school and honour former student Robert de Castella, who represented Australia at the 1980 Moscow Olympics in the marathon, and who broke the Marathon world record in 1981 at the Fukuoka marathon in Japan with a time of 2:08:18. Deek, as he was affectionately known went on to win two Commonwealth Games Gold medals, and one World Championships Gold Medal.
He represented Australia at 4 Olympic Games (1980, 1984, 1988 and 1992) with a best placing of 5th in 1984. He was named Australian of the Year in 1983 and in 2014 he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia at the Australia Day honours.
Our Story
The de Castella Run has been held annually since 1981 and since 2010 it has raised valuable funds and awareness for the Mental Health and Mental Health research at The Alfred Hospital and Monash University in Melbourne. Hosted on the grounds of Burke Hall in Kew, the event has three out & back course distances to choose from; 5km, 10km or 15km, each taking in the rolling hills of the scenic Kew Boulevard. Each event finishes on the grounds of Burke Hall on the school oval where refreshments and entertainment awaits, and family and supporters can enjoy a coffee while waiting for the runners to finish.
