For most young people, university is all lecture halls and libraries, but this year, on Tuesday 21 March, students of the Red Cross Society at the University of Queensland transformed their campus into a racecourse for a cause.

An incredible 46 University of Queensland students teamed up to tackle a 26km trek, raising $282 in an incredible effort for The Human Race.

All over Australia people of all ages ran, walked, or swam 26km in the month of March for the Human Race initiative, but our younger fundraisers showed us how it’s really done.

Led by Red Cross Society Group President Senalee Yapa Udawela, the distance was divided between team members so that the race could be open to students of all abilities and skill levels. Larger teams of eight had a 3.25km stretch around campus, while smaller teams of two challenged themselves to a 13km run right into Brisbane’s CBD.

The event was a festive night full of laughter, funny antics and a real sense of community. Students came dressed in bright Hawaiian shirts and colourful leis, their eyes on the prize for a best dressed award at the end of the finish line. Each team’s efforts were celebrated with prizes and awards, and the night ended perfect university style, with a pizza party.

“It was really fun to see everyone dressed up for a great cause,” says Emily Poon, Red Cross Society Secretary. “I got to walk with my friends around the UQ lakes running track and fundraise at the same time.”

The UQ Red Cross Society is a diverse group of students, with most members in leadership positions being international or interstate students, some with lived experience of disasters.

They are a small club compared to others on campus but they’re a generous bunch with a lot of heart and a strong sense of community.

We are so inspired by the incredible work that young people do for Australian Red Cross.

If you’d like to get involved with Red Cross and help us make a difference, head to our youth page to check out all the ways you can join the movement.