Afterglow shines a light on youth homelessness (and unicorns)

Popular Surf Coast event the Black Diamond Afterglow Night Run and its 600-plus runners will again light up Torquay with the fluorescent unicorn-themed fun run supporting a new cause, this year partnering with The Lighthouse Foundation to shine a light on youth homelessness.

Taking place on November 19, Afterglow Night Run will set a colourful stage along the Surf Coast Walk for runners to raise funds and awareness for The Lighthouse Foundation, a charity that provides homes and therapeutic care programs to children and young people impacted by long-term neglect, abuse and homelessness.

“We think the Lighthouse Foundation is a great charitable fit for Afterglow as we have always sought in our own way and through running to shine light on social issues and mental health in general,” says organiser and Surf Coast local, Chris Ord, who runs his Tour de Trails event and tour business from Anglesea.

“The ‘turning lights on in the dark’ nature of our night run thematically resonates with helping bring light and fun – and hopefully funds – to those who most need it,” says Chris.

“We see ourselves as a welcoming, running event suitable for everyone with lots of light-hearted, family-based fun happening out on the run course, which features a unicorn-flavoured, fluorescent Eighties fashion vibe!”

The popular event, now in its eighth year, has become famous for eye-wateringly bright running fashion including rainbow onesies, tutus galore, big hair, fire twirlers and saxophonists on course, a pop-up eighties music disco at the finish line, and plenty of neon lighting brightening up the trail and beachside run route along the Surf Coast Walk.

“So we encourage runners if they can to support Lighthouse Foundation and their efforts to eliminate youth homelessness in Victoria by donating when you register or better still, set up a fundraising page while embracing your own trail running rainbow unicorn magic,” says Chris.

Runners wanting to help raise funds can find more information at the event charity page on its website www.afterglowtrailrun.com/charity-partner although fundraising is not mandatory to participate in the event.

The tail running event encompasses a half marathon (21km) run course following the Surf Coast Walk from Point Addis back to a lit-up finish line at the Salty Dog Café, Fisherman’s Beach.

A second “half glow” distance of 13km begins at Southside near Bells Beach, while two 5km “mini-glow” runs round up the line-up with a loop course at Fisherman’s Beach.

The second 5km event is run under the “Body Positive Stomp” banner, a non-timed run or walk specifically aimed to offer a welcoming entry-level outing encouraging all community members to join in with discrimination, judgement or expectation, no matter what level of ability or experience on trails.

Details and entry at afterglowtrail.com.au

Afterglow is supported by the Surf Coast Shire via its Major Events Grant Program, along with Black Diamond, Brooks Running, Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park, Tailwind Nutrition, Surf Coast Trail Runners, Melton City Runners, T8, Salty Dog Cafe, The Happy Runner, Active Feet Geelong & Ocean Grove, Glimmer Gear, Beyond Movement.

For more details on The Lighthouse Foundation, head to lighthousefoundation.org.au

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