AFTER a three-decade hiatus, this weekend\u2019s Begonia Classic fun run will get Ballarat back up and moving.<\/p>\n
Generating funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, participating joggers and walkers can challenge themselves to a half-marathon, 16-kilometre run, or six-kilometre lap of Lake Wendouree.<\/p>\n
The two longer courses will travel to Ballarat East via Mair Street and Scott Parade, head west to Alfredton via Victoria Street, the Bridge Mall and Sturt Street, and then back to Lake Wendouree via Lake Gardens.<\/p>\n
FECRI\u2019s Sarah Stapleton said the last time the fundraiser was held in the early-1990s, it attracted about 800 runners.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year is a chance for us to build the Ballarat Begonia Classic back up,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an active and social event the community can get involved with together, and we invite them to take the challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a race, but there are many reasons for people to take on this challenge, whether it\u2019s for cancer research, someone in their life who has experienced cancer, or for health and fitness.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Athlete\u2019s Foot is a major sponsor, and director Paul Tudorovic said the event is a perfect chance for Ballarat residents, businesses and organisations to support ground-breaking research happening in their town.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur business is locally owned, and I\u2019m born and bred in Ballarat. The Begonia Classic is all about our community, and we\u2019re pumped to see it back up and running again,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The sports shoe shop has its own Tuesday evening running club which will be represented in the fun run by a team, and Susan Gray is part of that active group.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m running the six-kilometre event. It\u2019s all about participation and having fun,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019d love to see everyone getting active and doing it, and I encourage community members to join our team.\u201d<\/p>\n