More than 40,000 Perth residents took part in the largest HBF Run For A Reason to date on Sunday, raising more than $1.9 million and paying tribute to former West Coast Eagle Adam Selwood, who died earlier this month.
Before his death, Selwood had registered to take part in this year’s half-marathon to honour his twin brother and former Brisbane Lion Troy, who tragically also died in February this year, and raise money for mental health.
HBF chief executive Dr Lachlan Henderson thanked the work of Perth’s charities and said the 2025 event had special but tragic significance given the recent news that has rocked the Selwood family and AFL community.
A record number of participants turned out for the 2025 event.Credit: Clip Media
“This year’s event carried special significance following the recent passing of former West Coast Eagle Adam Selwood, who had registered to run the half-marathon in honour of his twin brother, Troy, who passed away in February,” he said.
“The tragic loss of Adam and Troy reminds us of the humanity behind every bib number – each participant is driven by a reason, a memory or a cause that matters deeply to them.”
Adam Selwood’s fundraising target for mental health charity zero2hero, which started at $10,000, has now reached more than $76,000 and counting.
Several former West Coast players were believed to have taken part in the half-marathon event to honour the late Eagle and his fundraising efforts.
Participants ran, walked or wheeled across one of three sold-out distances: the Brooks Half Marathon, the Specsavers 12-kilometre or the CommBank three-kilometre courses.
One inspiring entrant in the event was 26-year-old Ted Lee, who has recovered from a horrific motorcycle accident in 2021 where he was run over by a semi-trailer.
After a horror accident in 2021, Ted Lee has learnt to walk again and took part in the 2025 HBF Run For A Reason 3km event.Credit: Lifeline WA
After being in a coma and despite being given an initial prognosis that he would never walk again, Lee undertook intensive physiotherapy and strength training to eventually stand and walk again last year. He took part in the three-kilometre event, fundraising for Lifeline WA.
“Just four years ago, taking a single step seemed impossible, but now I’m preparing to walk three kilometres for a cause close to my heart,” he said before the walk.
“I lost a close friend to suicide last year, and I’ve had my own battles with mental health since the
accident,” he said.
“There were days when I felt like giving up. That’s why Lifeline WA is so important, they’re there for people when they need it most.”
This year marked the 13th annual HBF Run For A Reason. Since its inaugural 2010 event, it has raised more than $14 million for health and community organisations across WA.