News

The Great Australian Run countdown begins – 100 days to go - 21/8/09

Welcome to Great News – the official e-newsletter of the 2009 Great Australian Run, which will deliver all the information you require about this unique event.

Tomorrow marks just 100 days to go until the Great Australian Run returns bigger and better in 2009.

There are more opportunities than ever for you to get involved, with the introduction of a number of new initiatives set to engage and inspire thousands of weekend warriors – and kids – across the nation.

The Great Australian Run will again attract some of the world’s greatest distance athletes.

Thousands of casual joggers and walkers will be given the unique opportunity to run in the same race as the world’s elite whilst targeting their own goals such as a personal best time or even a race finish.

Haven’t entered yet? Visit www.greataustralianrun.com.au to secure your place on the start line now.

FITTEST FOOTY FANS – Can you knock the Magpies off their perch?

Back by popular demand, the Fittest Footy Fans Challenge is back in 2009.

In its inaugural year, only 25 seconds separated the top four teams with Collingwood stealing victory ahead of Carlton, Essendon and Hawthorn.

The recruitment process is currently underway for team leaders for each of the 16 Club teams.

As the AFL player team leaders are confirmed, a Fittest Footy Fan website will go live with exclusive video, top tips and blogs to ensure maximum performance for your nominated club - we can’t understand why it’s not their main priority now; they are only in the final business weeks of the season before the finals series begins!

Keep your eye out on www.fittestfootyfan.com.au over the coming weeks.

Entrants in the Great Australian Run can nominate their AFL team of choice at the time of entering to be a part of unique challenge. The first 30 male and 30 female finishers for each club will have their times averaged out to determine the team with the fittest fans.

CLOWN DOCTORS – Help put a smile on sick children’s faces

Contribute to more than just your health and fitness at this year’s Great Australian Run by also committing to helping those less fortunate than you. And we have made this even easier to do by partnering with Everyday Hero so you can set up your very own ‘hero’ page for your friends and family to donate to for whichever charity you choose. http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/gar2009

Nominate your chosen charity upon entry, or perhaps the Great Australian Run’s nominated charity the Humour Foundation.

The Humour Foundation runs the Clown Doctor program which treats kids in hospital with a different kind of medicine - with doses of smiles and laughter. Often overwhelmed by medical procedures and hospital procedures, Clown Doctors lighten up the mood with oversized medical equipment, 'red-nose' transplants, 'cat' scans, humour checks, funny bone examinations and much more.

Make yourself smile. Raise $400 and you could put a smile on 100 sick kids’ faces.

Set up a fundraising page at Everyday Heroes, get your friends, family and colleagues to sponsor your run and help raise valuable dollars for the Humour Foundation, or any other charity of your choice.

KIDS FUN - Running isn’t just for adults, it’s for kids too!

This year it’s not only the adults that get to have all the fun. As a precursor to the main event, hundreds of kids will pull on their sneakers and trek around Albert Park on Saturday, 28 November.

A healthy outdoor activity for all of the family, children aged 11 to 14 will have an opportunity to run or walk 5km in the Junior Great Australian Run, whilst those under eleven years of age can participate in the Great Australian Family Run over 2km.

For only $25, each child receives entry into the event, an adidas t-shirt, a finisher’s pack, a medal and heaps more – great value for money!

Visit the Great Australian Run official event website – www.greataustralianrun.com.au for further information and to lodge your entry.

ADIDAS TRAINING RUNS

In conjunction with the Great Australian Run and adidas, the Crosbie Crew are pleased to be organising a 12 week training run series leading up to the 15km Great Australian Run on Sunday 29th November.

Starting on Saturday 5th September, you can join us for a graduated series of training runs aimed at getting you fit, fired up and motivated to tackle Australia's best 15km event. All runs will be supervised by experienced Run Leaders who will guide your pace, answer any questions and make sure you are well prepared to take part in the Great Australian Run.

When & where to meet: Please be at Gate D of the Botanical Gardens (near the corner of Domain Rd & Anderson St) by 8:50am each Saturday morning for a 9:00am start.