Forty-three sailors and officers from HMAS Ballarat swapped the sea for the streets when they laced up their running shoes to compete in the Pahang Half Marathon in Malaysia.

While alongside in Kuantan for the shore phase of Exercise Bersama Lima 2025, team Ballarat competed in all three categories of the community event: the 21km half marathon, 10km and 5km.

Ballarat’s Physical Training Instructor Leading Seaman Phillip Penafiel led the initiative and said he was immensely proud of the crew’s achievements.

“It was inspiring to see so many of the crew involved representing Ballarat and the [Royal Australian Navy] RAN,” Leading Seaman Penafiel said.

“Some had never attempted these distances before, which is a huge achievement.”

He also highlighted the positive impact events such as this could have on morale while deployed.

“We had sailors and officers from all different rates and specialisations cheering each other on with encouragement, which was hugely uplifting,” Leading Seaman Penafiel said.

“Seeing such an excellent turnout has certainly made this a career highlight – I couldn’t be more proud.”

'This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so it was excellent to see so many of our people get involved.'

Joining the crew in the 10km event was Ballarat's Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Kane Stuart.

“It was a tough run in the conditions, but the determination shown by our sailors and officers was outstanding,” Lieutenant Commander Stuart said.

“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so it was excellent to see so many of our people get involved.”

Ballarat is in Malaysia taking part in Exercise Bersama Lima, an annual Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) exercise running until October 6.

This year’s exercise involves about 400 ADF personnel working alongside counterparts from Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

The FPDA, established in 1971, strengthens cooperation and interoperability between member nations and supports the shared vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.