HBA Great Australian Run 2008 EVENT INFORMATION

To download a copy of the Competitor Information in .PDF format, click here.

EVENT ENTRY $70 INCLUDES

Quality event Adidas T-Shirt

Souvenir finisher's medal, drink and finishers pack

Personalised race certificate detailing exact race time and position

Computer chip timing for completely accurate running time, which will show your time from crossing the start line to crossing the finish line as well as your official gun time

Powerade sports drink waiting for you at the finish line

Race number and full information pack (this will be sent to you approximately two weeks before the event)

A copy of the Sunday Herald Sun

RUN ROUTE 15Kms

Run route approvals are ongoing but following is the course description towards which everyone is working. Starting in Albert Park on Aughtie Drive, runners will exit the park after passing the Bob Jane stadium, turn right, and cross Albert Rd before taking a left & heading up Moray Street towards Melbourne City centre.

Crossing City Rd and progressing along Queensbridge St the route swings right onto Flinders St past the station and right again onto Princes Bridge over the Yarra. Once onto the bridge, the field will cross the carriagway before turning left ,then right onto Linlithgow Ave and proceeding in an anti-clockwise direction on the roads around the famous Tan running circuit. After descending Anderson St hill and left along Alexander Ave, parallel to the river, the runners head straight through the bridge underpass before taking the Arts Centre slip road which directs everyone along Sturt St, then left onto Southbank Blvd with a right turn at the top onto St Kilda Rd service lane.

Approximately 4 kms of St Kilda Rd lies ahead after which the route turns right onto Fitzroy Street, then first right into Albert Park arriving at the finish line on the Grand Prix racing grid via Lakeside and Village Green Drives. Total distance -- 15kms

To view an image of the route map, click here. Or to download the map as a .PDF document, click here.

To view the course in Google Earth, click here. Note: to view this feature you will need to download and install Google Earth - click here for more information.

START TIME

Elite women will start at 8:30AM with the mass run starting at 8:43AM

NB To maintain an acceptable level of inconvenience to other road users , cut off times will apply at points on the route, these will mainly be at critical junctions. After the specified times, entrants will be instructed by event marshals to complete the course on the footpath. Please adhere to these guidelines even if the carriageway appears empty, there will be clean up vehicles and operatives carrying out their duties so stay off the road.

DRINKS

We expect runners to bring their own hydration to the start but some water will be available at this point too. As well as manned drinks stations at 4 locations on the route, there will be PUMP water and POWERADE at the finish zone.

TIMING AND RESULTS

All entrants will be issued with timing chips which must be worn on the shoe or around your ankle. THEY MUST NOT BE WORN ON THE WRIST OR ELSEWHERE -- THEY WILL NOT RECORD!

OBVIOUSLY NUMBERS AND CHIPS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE - Results become meaningless & our database incorrect in the event of a runner needing serious medical attention.

Timing mats will be placed at START, FINISH and 10km and results will be available on the event website as promptly as possible after the race is completed - be patient, it takes a little time to workout team competitions, check validity and remove Gremlins.

TV COVERAGE

Channel Ten are to transmit a 90 minute live broadcast starting at 8:30am, so set those recording devices before you leave home - or get someone else to do it for you!!

Some of the worlds finest Olympic athletes may be pounding the roads at the head of the field, but coverage will not be limited to them. Your exploits will not only be shared by Australian viewers, but also seen by countless millions around the globe when the program is later transmitted by Great Run partner stations in Europe, Africa and Asia

CHARITIES

Training for, and taking part in challenging events like the HBA Great Australian Run is not only good for you but it presents a wonderful opportunity for you to turn your endeavour into a fund raising exercise to help others less fortunate than yourself. Choose a cause close to you and once you receive confirmation of your entry set about persuading friends and family to sponsor you, --- so much per km, or maybe a successful finisher donation, or even perhaps a bonus for achieving a target time, who knows, get creative --- someone less fortunate than you is counting on you !

All those Cents add up to $s and it makes a welcome income for your chosen charity.

Everyday Heroes has joined forces with the HBA Great Australian Run to help you maximise your efforts and bring a bit of style to your campaign. Click here to learn more www.everydayhero.com.au/event/GreatAustralianRun2008

RESPECT THE CHALLENGE

At Great Run we provide all levels of participants with well organised challenging events, but the most important message we try to deliver is "Respect the Challenge"

Undoubtedly, the sense of achievement is realised when you cross the finish line, but the real benefit to you is gained by following a planned program of exercise which improves your fitness and wellbeing while preparing for your big day. If you need help or guidance then click on "The Training room" , and select a schedule to match your distance and level of ambition.

You may be a novice jogger looking for a challenge or a regular runner, doing events like Run for the Kids and the Melbourne Marathon. Either way, following a program will get you fit or keep you fit.

In the training room you will also find interesting information as well as helpful aids like pace charts and performance predictors

OFFICIAL HOTEL

The St Kilda Road Parkview Hotel is the official hotel for The HBA Great Australian Run.

The St Kilda Road Parkview Hotel is ideal for visitors to Melbourne, close to the cafes, restaurants and shopping of St Kilda, Chapel Street, Southbank and the CBD, and for the sports fans the Telstra Dome & MCG are only a short tram ride away. Many of Melbourne's major tourist attractions are on your doorstep which makes the Parkview the perfect location to enjoy the best of Melbourne.

For more information about the hotel and details of the special offer for all participants in the HBA Great Australian Run, click here.

If you have any questions about the HBA Great Australian Run 2008, please email enquiries@greataustralianrun.com.au