Lieutenant Theo Squires said personnel usually clocked up 155 laps each run, with 155 being HMAS Ballarat's pennant number, and this equate to about 10 kilometres.

"Fitness is very important at sea, for both physical and mental well-being," Lieutenant Squires said.

"...Running is particularly enjoyable as it gets us out into the fresh air - although the ship's rocking motion can be a test of balance."

Only about 20 to 30 people can fit on the flight deck each running session but others are also getting on the move for the cause in the gym on the treadmill, cycling, rowing or using the ski erg. The gym is also where personnel can exercise then the flight deck was unavailable for running due to flights, at night or during heavy seas.

The ship's physical trainer also runs three fitness sessions each day, usually involving running, weights and calisthenics.

MORE RUN-SPIRATION

Lieutenant Squires said supporting The Ballarat Foundation event was extra motivation to exercise.

"HMAS Ballarat has previously worked with The Ballarat Foundation and Lieutenant Squires saw that they were running a virtual event, so he suggested that Ballart got involved," Lieutenant Squires said.

"Our ship's company is keen to support good causes-we participate regularly in blood donations and we run a few fundraising events throughout the year. Doing it for charity is extra motivation to keep active at sea."

There is about one week left to get on the move in The Ballarat Foundation's Run for a Cause. The virtual edition challenges participants to set their own distance goal to walk, run or roll

The Foundation has nominated children's literacy as this year's cause in focus.

For more details to get moving: run4ac.org.