From its inception in 2009, the
Cotton On Foundation's
Run Geelong event has grown in popularity, with a huge increase in participants and funds raised. Everything has gone towards helping the
Geelong Hospital to complete its Children's Ward, and the results speak for themselves. Of course, there have been some changes to the Run Geelong event in its short five years- last year the course moved to the Geelong Waterfront and passed through the Eastern Gardens. Last year also saw the inclusion of wheels into the event for the first time (in the form of wheelchairs, pushers and prams), meaning that the event was accessible to even more people.
With the success of last year's event, and those preceding, the folks at Cotton On are amping up their efforts to promote even more awareness and participation in this year's Run Geelong. On Sunday 17 November, nearly 5000 people (at time of publication) will be running or walking the course in Geelong, raising money for the Geelong Hospital Special Care Nursery redevelopment. This number is expected to double in the few weeks leading up to the event (nearly 12,000 people registered in 2012), as more and more people recruit family, friends and colleagues to the cause.
The Cotton On store in Market Square, Geelong, has used up an entire section of their store window to promote the event
Last year's Ambassadors for Run Geelong-
Geelong Cats captain
Joel Selwood, netballer
Madison Browne and Paralympic gold medallist
Richard Colman- have reprised their roles and will once again be partaking in the event. They, along with countless others, will be participating in either the 6km walk, 6km run or 12km run. But while this may be a competition for some- with overall winners for each event and age category winning trophies, vouchers and medals- for many it is a chance to get fit, challenge themselves, and have fun. There will be spot prizes given out on the day (these will be given out at the presentations at the conclusion of the event), as well as prizes for best dressed. Over the years there have been some amazing costumes on display, by people who have embraced the fun atmosphere of the event- some even running in their costumes during warmer than usual days (which would have made the run just a little bit more challenging!)
The course map for Run Geelong 2013
Presentations will be held at 10am, after the 6km walk is estimated to finish, and these will be held near the finish line at Steampacket Gardens on the Geelong Waterfront. From this point on, with the walk and runs completed, the real festivities will begin, with participants (as well as their supporters) invited to relax, listen to live music from on stage, watch children's entertainers, or browse through market stalls. There will also be a variety of food and drink stalls, and a massage tent for those participants who have gotten a little bit stiff and sore after their event.
The first 13,000 people to register will have one of these Run Geelong t-shirts sent to them in the mail so that they can wear them on the day
The Cotton On Foundation has contributed to plenty of important causes, and this event is a way for you to help them help others. Online registrations are still open at
www.rungeelong.com.au.