Outrun the rent!
2026 marks 50 years of the Tenants' Union and our mission to ensure renters get a fair deal. From individual assistance to system-wide advocacy, research and supporting networks of allies, we've helped millions of NSW renters facing challenges. As we enter our 6th decade, we're not stopping – and we're asking you to help us pick up the pace by donating to our Sydney Marathon fundraiser.
Donations help us take up the fight in new and innovative ways, fund legal challenges, research, campaigns or activities that other funds can't.
Meet our runners...
Jack Moon
Our first registered charity marathoner is Jack Moon – Tenants’ Union Data and Research Coordinator, dad, and renter in Sydney’s Inner West. Jack is the brains behind the Tenants’ Union’s powerful data research projects such as Rent Tracker, NCAT Snapshot, and Bond Smart. But he’s not just a maths nerd – he can run! The 2026 Sydney Marathon will be Jack’s 3rd marathon. He’s hoping to beat his personal best time of 3:52! But more importantly Jack is hoping to raise over $3,000 towards the work of the Tenants’ Union. Can you help him?
“I’m looking forward to this run – it’s a beautiful course and I’m keen to challenge myself and beat my previous time. I’m also proud to be raising money for the Tenants’ Union. I reckon we do good work for tenants, and this fundraising drive will help us do even more.”
Clare Decena
It is safe to say that Clare welcomes and loves a challenge - pivoting from ocean swims and open water races Clare only picked up running 1 year ago and has already completed a half marathon in May 2026 and now has her sights set on the 2026 Sydney Marathon.
Clare rents in Darlington alongside her partner Luke and their golden retriever Pepito and describes living in the City of Sydney as spoiled for choice for scenic running routes! (It would be better if she could ask her landlord for air conditioning in their rental without fear for a rent increase.)
"Running the Sydney Marathon will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, and fundraising for the TU has allowed me to become part of something that is bigger than myself by raising awareness for a cause I believe in."
Christopher Rudge
At one point from 2021, Chris ran every single day for 831 days straight. A few years later and lucky enough to be a great dad to his son Dante, running has since taken the backseat for Chris and the Sydney Marathon 2026 will see him lacing up again - this time fitting training into his busy life and not trying to fit life around training.
“I was lucky to have only a glancing experience with problems accessing housing, but in my welfare and health law work I now read about renters' experiences with automated decision-making used to screen out their applications."
"What would help is what the Tenants' Union fights for: the fairness that allows renters to access housing, and the security that can afford renters a sense of comfort. That's the future I hope my son enjoys.”
Brendan Ross
Brendan has worked in a variety of roles in the network of Tenants' Advice and Advocacy Services and has been a long-time advocate for renters. He has been running on and off for a few years now, and with a recent move into the city enjoys exploring new areas through running. Brendan has previously tackled several half marathons and now he takes on his next challenge... The 2026 Sydney Marathon.
“It would be great to see a rental market that is genuinely affordable and accessible to all. I am keen to finish the Sydney course and raise money for the Tenants' Union."
Patrick Harrison
For Patrick, running feels just like play. Sometimes it's hard to get out the door, or to work through the aches and pains, but when he hits his stride he remembers the joy in momentum.
"I've been a runner since school cross country, and tackled City2Surf at 15 years old, but my journey really started when I was volunteeting in the West Bank and decided to sign up for the 2016 Palestine Marathon.
"Running 42 kilometres is always challenging, but the Palestine Marathon involves navigating extra challenges – bypassing checkpoints and refugee camps. It opened my eyes to the privileges we take for granted as runners in Australia, when elsewhere in the world people have to overcome barriers just to manifest their right to movement.
"And it taught me to appreciate my own ability to run, and not get so caught up in goal-setting and chasing the next PB.
"Right now, my partner and I rent an old house with lots of character and a big yard, which gives me scope to garden and play with my two dachshunds. We couldn't afford to buy anywhere nearly as convenient for us, so we are happy to trade location and a much shorter commute against the quirks that come with an older property.
"It look a long time to find our current pet-friendly rental home, and if we have to move suddenly, it will be challenging to find another place that can meet our needs in a hurry. Recent reforms have improved our right to keep a pet, but there's still too much scope for landlords to favour applications without pets."
