Run from the Sun is a series of awareness events in Tasmania, created to educate secondary and college students about the dangers of UV radiation and melanoma.

Run from the Sun, is a Tasmania-wide community awareness event organised by Di Mason of Melanoma Institute Australia (incorporating Skin Cancer Tasmania), to educate secondary and college students about the dangers of UV radiation and melanoma.

The brainchild of local melanoma survivor Ken Harriss, the campaign features a three-week tour of secondary schools and colleges across Tasmania to promote the prevention and early detection of melanoma amongst Year 7 to Year 12 students.

Now in its 6th year, the campaign involves four Tasmanians living with Stage III and Stage IV melanoma sharing their stories to make it ‘real’ and reinforce to students that prevention is better than going through treatment for the disease.

The 2022 event saw the team travel a total of 2967 kms over three weeks. We spoke to 2092 students, nearly 100 staff and visited 21 Skin Cancer Clinics/Oncology Units providing information for medical staff and patients. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with many schools already requesting a return visit in 2023.

This year, the event was supported by Jacksons Motor Company who supplied a VW Tiguan for the event. Ego SunSense supplied sunscreen for students. Students were also provided with UV activated bracelets to raise awareness about UV radiation and the need to protect their skin.

“Di and Ken came into our Health Studies Class this week to discuss sun safety, melanoma, and the processes and repercussions of skin cancer.  Both the physical, and social impacts.

This session moved well beyond Sid the Seagull’s Slip, Slop, Slap jingle that we’ve all grown used to and immune to.

The presentation was engaging and succinct, yet comprehensive.  The delivery method and statistics used made the conversation relevant and relatable.  Accompanying this, the presenters’ personal stories made the session feel intimate, and impactful.“     – Johnny Peisker, Don College

Run from the Sun Don College

Run from the Sun Don College

Di Mason and Ken Harriss

Run from the Sun Brooks High School

Run from the Sun Campbell Town High School

Run from the Sun Circular Head Christian School

Run from the Sun Circular Head Christian School

Run from the Sun Claremont College

Run from the Sun Huonville Highschool

Run from the Sun Hobart College

Run from the Sun Don College

Run from the Sun Macquarie Skin Clinic

Run from the Sun Tamar Skin Cancer Clinic

Run from the Sun

In addition to presentations to schools and colleges around Tasmania over the three weeks, this year’s Run from the Sun campaign also featured two motorbike fundraising rides.

Roll the Dice Run

Roll The Dice Run was hosted by Bikers & Riders Tasmania on Saturday 10 September.

Riders rolled two dice at each of the stops along the route of the ride. The rider with the highest score won a prize on the day (as did the lowest score). The day involved around 60 riders and 4 cars and took us through spectacular parts of the north west coast of Tasmania. MP Shane Broad attended the day and handed out prizes at the end of the ride. $1600 was raised on the day.

Run from the Sun Southern Ride

On the 17 September around 45 bikes and 3 cars took off from Kingston in southern Tasmania for the Run from the Sun Southern Ride. It was a scenic ride through the Channel and Huon areas with a Dutch auction along the way, finishing at the iconic Longley International Hotel. Lots of laughs and a great day with around $1300 raised.

Run from Sun NW Ride

Run from the Sun NW ride 2

Run from the Sun South ride 1

Run from the Sun South ride 2

Run from the Sun South ride 3