Fun run comes to Docklands

Docklands has secured a new annual event, which will help locals businesses.

From April 7, 2019, the Run for the Kids will bring up to 45,000 people into the precinct to either participate or to support a runner.

Announcing the event to the Docklands Chamber of Commerce on November 20, Herald Sun executive Anita Blencowe said: “We’re relocating the start and finish of Run for the Kids from its traditional home in Kings Domain to the Docklands from 2019.”

Ms Blencowe said: “All 30,000 people will start their race here. They will start a loop across the Bolte Bridge and they will finish their race here.”

Event ambassador Steve Moneghetti said: “It will be a massive event. You’re looking at 30,000 running, plus supporters, people who will come to watch them, to pick them up, to be a part of the event, our volunteers. There could be an extra 10,000 to 15,000 people.”

Mr Moneghetti said the first of the fun runs started in Docklands in 2006, but finished in Royal Park near the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“We’re really keen to come back to sort of like our spiritual home,” he said.

The run is the biggest fun run in Victoria and has raised more than $17 million for the Good Friday Appeal, which contributes to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Appeal director Anne Randall said: “It’s just such a wonderful day. It’s fantastic to see 30,000 people going out and doing something that’s really healthy for a start but it’s also the community coming together for a really good cause.”

Ms Blencowe told chamber members: “We will be working together with all of you between now and the event next year to maximise the opportunity for those people to come to your businesses and be involved in what you have to offer.”

Docklands chamber president Joh Maxwell said: “This is a time for Docklands to showcase how brilliant we are.”

“We’ve got a magic suburb. We’ve got magic waterways. Let’s try to activate it as much as we can during that time.”

“We want people to love Docklands as much as we do. We want to embrace and welcome the Run for the Kids.”

“Rain, hail or shine, people will come, so we need to be ready for them.”