Geelong’s run4reef draws near

GEELONG will welcome the world’s first simultaneous running event next month, as locals move at the same time as those in 20 other host cities with a single mission: to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

On October 16, the inaugural run4reef event will be leveraging world-leading timing technology to unite thousands of runners of all abilities across four runs – a 1km, 5km, 10km and a special elite 10km course.

The event, which has been supported by the Queensland and federal government, has come off the back of local events in Port Douglas run by climate conservation group run4planet since 2013.

This year, the group wants to take their vision and passion for saving the reef to all corners of Australia and New Zealand.

Geelong run4reef event manager Ken Walker said that there is plenty of excitement around the first event being brought to the Geelong region.

“Geelong is a beautiful and naturally progressive city, you couldn’t be in a better place for a better event,” Mr Walker said.

“Our course starts at the Eastern Gardens and provide runners with a beautiful backdrop as they move along their chosen course.

“It’s been great to have some support from the marine science students at Deakin University and some others also registering from local Geelong businesses.

“We have been working hard to get the word out there about the event and entries are ticking away, we really look forward to it.”

Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said the city was very proud the initiative would be starting in Geelong.

“The event will be a unique way to unite communities across Australia and New Zealand in raising funds to help restore and protect the Great Barrier Reef from the impacts of climate change.

“The council’s strong commitment to climate action and our love of events that bring the community together make the run4reef a great fit for Geelong.

“I encourage anyone with an interest in helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef and tackling climate change to get involved.”

Festivities are set to kick off on the day at 1pm with the opening ceremony followed by the four fun runs.

Presentations are set to follow each race with $1,000 on the line for the winners of the male and female divisions in the Race2Zero.

Thanks to sponsors BYD, an ATTO 3 electric car will also be given out to one lucky attendee across the 20 locations.

To register for the Geelong region or to find out more, head to run4reef.org/geelong