Sunday, April 5 2009

The Race Day

Sunday 5 April 2009

Runners raise $924,172 for the kids

A record 30,000 enthusiastic and generous people participated in Victoria’s biggest fun run today, the Herald Sun/City Link Run for the Kids, raising an incredible $924,172 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

In its brief four year history, the Herald Sun/City Link Run for the Kids has raised an amazing sum of $2,606,451 for the Appeal.

The two picturesque courses (5.7km and 14.1km) showcased a number of Melbourne landmarks including the Arts Centre, Shrine of Remembrance, Docklands precinct, Crown Casino, Birrarung Marr, Federation Square and the Botanic Gardens.

In addition, the 18,613 runners participating in the 14.1km event had the unique opportunity to run through the Domain Tunnel and over the Bolte Bridge, taking in the stunning views of the city skyline.

Celebrities including City Homicide actor Daniel MacPherson, triple Olympic swimming medallist Andrew Lauterstein, Neighbours actor Brett Tucker, Carlton premiership players Greg Williams and Mil Hanna, Olympic gymnasts Monette Russo and Stephanie Moorhouse, the Mix 101.1 breakfast team of Brigitte Duclos and Tom Gleeson all pulled on the runners for the worthy cause.

The Managing Director of the Herald & Weekly Times, Peter Blunden, said the response to this year's event had been "outstanding".

"In our fourth year we have set another record with the maximum 30,000 participants involved. We have raised $924,000 towards the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal -- $186,000 more than last year.

"The people of Victoria have opened their hearts again, as they did with the Black Saturday bushfires, to help those in need; in this case the children who rely on the services of the Royal Children's Hospital."

"The money raised will go towards vital research, facilities and equipment at the hospital."

"Everyone involved, including the army of volunteers, our sponsors and other supporters, including family members, can be justifiably proud of their magnificent effort."

Commonwealth Games representative Martin Dent (42:14) and Olympic Games marathon representative Lisa Weightman (47:45) won the men's and women's 14.1km race, whilst Brighton East’s Shaun Krawitz (17:40) and Surry Hills’ Grace Thek (20:35) took the honours in the 5.7km event.

Dent, who heads to England to compete in the London Marathon in three weeks time, was amongst the lead pack heading over the Bolte Bridge (8km), before breaking away from Clint Perrett (42:46) in the Docklands (10km), crossing the line to secure a convincing 31-second victory.

Battling jet lag from her resent trip to the World Cross Country Championships in Amman, Jordan last weekend, Weightman went out conservatively, but put her foot on the gas with 3km to go, pulling away from 2008 Australian half marathon champion Cassie Fien (48:06).

Race Director Steve Moneghetti was overwhelmed by the show of support for the 2009 Herald Sun CityLink Run for the Kids.

"People power took over the streets and freeways of Melbourne today and after a difficult recent few months for the state you could feel the raw emotion of the participants.

"They did it for the camaraderie, for the course and for the cause. Thanks to everyone involved in making the day such a memorable one for us all."

Race Results

Men's 14.1km

1. Martin Dent (Canberra) 42:14
2. Clint Perrett (Hawthorn) 42:46
3. Stephen Dineen (Doncaster) 43:03

Women's 14.1km

1. Lisa Weightman (West Preston) 47:45
2. Cassie Fien (Wurruk) 48:06
3. Kristy McCarthy (Kew) 49:22

Men's 5.7km

1. Shaun Krawitz (Brighton East) 17:40
2. Mark Blicavs (Sunbury) 18:04
3. Jordan Nelson (Berwick) 18:21

Women's 5.7km

1. Grace Thek (Surrey Hills) 20:35
2. Sarah Klein (Moorooduc) 20:46
3. Georgie Buckley (Newtown) 22:17

HERALD SUN|CITYLINK RUN FOR THE KIDS 2009 NIKE+ PROMOTION WINNER

The Number One Top Individual Fundraiser - Jessica Winterburn, Team Maya

A 36-page souvenir results guide will be available in this Tuesday's Herald Sun.