You might think a fun run is just about fitness or fundraising—but it’s much more than that. Especially in Papua New Guinea, where the Trukai Fun Run is not just an event, but a national tradition. Here are five life lessons you can take away from lacing up and joining in. 1. You Don’t Have to Be Fast to Move Forward Think about life; everyone moves at their own pace. Progress matters more than speed. You’ll see people of all ages and abilities taking part—from energetic teens to adults in sandals. What unites them isn’t how quickly they finish, but the fact that they show up and keep moving. Lesson: Don’t compare your pace to others—just stay in your lane and keep going. 2. Community Is Powerful The Trukai Fun Run reminds us that we’re stronger together. Thousands of people across the country move as one—families, schools, coworkers, even strangers sharing jokes or water bottles. The power of community is present. Lesson: When we come together, small actions become something big. 3. It’s Okay to Have Fun and Still Make a Difference It’s called a Fun Run for a reason! You’ll see people strolling, laughing, or even exchanging a conversation or two. Yet behind all that joy is a serious purpose: supporting Team PNG. Lesson: You don’t always need to be serious to do something meaningful. Enjoying yourself can still create impact. 4. Showing Up Matters If you think only athletic folks participate in the Trukai Fun Run, think again. Many just show up, and that’s enough. In life, too, we often overthink or wait until we feel “ready.” But sometimes, showing up—messy, tired, unsure—is what counts the most. Lesson: Courage doesn’t always make noise. Sometimes it just puts on a T-shirt and takes the first step. 5. Every Step Has Purpose Buying a K15 shirt might feel like a small thing to some. But that money helps send PNG athletes to international games. Each step you take contributes to someone’s future. Lesson: Never underestimate the value of small actions. They can ripple far beyond what you see. Final Thoughts: The Trukai Fun Run isn’t always about who finishes first. It’s about what you gain by simply being part of something bigger than yourself. Health, happiness, purpose, connection—it's not always material benefits. So next time the run comes around, don’t just think of it as a jog around a location. Think of it as a classroom without walls—one where the lessons stay with you long after the run is over.