For the first time in Australia Day's history, there will be one sporting activity to unite the citizens in their celebration of all that is Australian, with the 2005 Medibank Private Australia Day Fun Run/Walk.
Encompassing both an 8km run and 4km run/ walk and endorsed by the relevant Australia Day organisations in each state, the community event will be held simultaneously in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Perth on the morning of Wednesday, January 26 2005; by 2006 all capital cities will be involved.
The 8km run begins at 8am and 4km run/walk begins at 9am. The Sydney event will run around Centennial Park; the Canberra event will be run around Lake Burleigh Griffin; the Perth event will run around Subiaco Oval; and the Melbourne event will run around Telstra Dome - all events will finish at the Aussie Village in the respective city. The fun will continue here with entertainment, activities, and a free Aussie Breakfast for all registered participants.
Celebrities attending, and in some cases participating, in the event include: Sandra Sully from Channel 10 will be at the Sydney event; players from the Canberra Capital basketball team will take part in the run in Canberra; Glenn Jakovich, of the West Coast Eagles Football Club, will take part in the run alongside other popular Eagles players in Perth; and Lauren Hewitt, Olympic athlete, will run in Melbourne.
The Aussie Breakfast, which is also available to non-runners at reasonable prices, will include a range of healthy breakfast options from product sponsors including Sanitarium, Tip Top, Heinz, Flora, Vegemite and Thorpedo Sports Drink, plus live music and entertainment, providing all Australians a venue to commence their Australia Day celebrations.
The 2005 Medibank Private Australia Day Fun Run/ Walk and Aussie Breakfast come at a time when Australians are recognising the national problem of obesity, and many are taking steps to make their own lifestyles healthier.
"The 2005 Medibank Private Australia Day Fun Run/ Walk will encourage the community to celebrate its Australian spirit through healthy activity and provide families with the opportunity to celebrate Australia Day as part of a nation-wide movement," said George Savvides, Managing Director, Medibank Private.
"As Australia's largest private health fund, we are committed to investing in the health and wellbeing of the Australian community and very proud to support this important event.
Being involved in regular physical activity is an important lifestyle decision. We encourage all of our three million members, staff, and the broader community to get the most out of life by keeping fit and healthy. Which is exactly why we endorse activities that improve their health and wellbeing, such as the Australia Day Fun Run/ Walk," Mr Savvides said.
The 2005 Medibank Private Australia Day Fun Run/ Walk supports the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, with participants also encouraged to donate to the charities upon registration, which is available online at www.ausdayfunrun.com.au or by phoning 1300 882 592. Entry is free for children under five when they accompany an adult runner.
Both the 8km and 4km courses are sanctioned by Athletics Australia, the national governing body of athletics for Australia, with officially measured and timed courses. Various random prizes will be awarded to participants on the day.
In 2006, the Medibank Private Australia Day Fun Run/ Walk will extend its rollout to include all eight Australian capital cities.
Details are available at www.ausdayfunrun.com.au or by phoning 1300 882 592. Additional details of the event, including celebrity and corporate sponsors, will be released as they are finalised.
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For further information please contact: Libby Woolnough, Media Relations Adviser, Medibank Private - PH: 03 8622 5181 / 0411 659 060