Wonthaggi ready to run for very special kids

Apex Park in Wonthaggi will be overrun with runners, walkers and families this October for the inaugural Voyage Fitness ‘Run for Very Special Kids’ event, raising money for children with life-limiting conditions.

It’ll be held on Sunday, October 4, with distances ranging from a one-kilometre kids dash to a 21.1km half-marathon.

Interest is already building, with 180 people having already registered for the event, while organisers hope to attract at least 300 participants and raise $8000 for the Very Special Kids Foundation.

Voyage Fitness gym instructor and event organiser Paige Holness said that after doing plenty of research on charities, she wanted the event to support children and families, while also directing attention towards a cause that may not receive the same exposure as larger appeals.

“It’s about supporting kids with life-limiting conditions and their families,” Ms Holness said.

“I just thought it gelled really well with our values here.”

The money raised could fund several forms of care and support.

Ms Holness said $1000 could provide one night of 24-hour hospice care for a child and their family, while $500 could fund a 45-minute equine therapy session. A hydrotherapy appointment costs about $260, and $80 could go towards music equipment.

“If we raise eight grand, hopefully we can get eight nights,” she said.

SJD Homes is a major sponsor of the event, as part of the company’s charitable foundation.

Construction manager Kim O’Connor said supporting families of seriously ill children fitted the foundation’s criteria and would also help Voyage Fitness meet the cost of staging the event.

“Everyone wants to help kids and sick kids, and everybody obviously feels the pain of what people go through with their families,” Mr O’Connor said.

“To their credit, there are a lot of local businesses that have jumped on board.”

The event will offer a 21.1km half-marathon, 10km and 5km runs, a 2km family walk and a 1km kids dash.

And there’ll be plenty happening away from the course as well.

Food trucks, live music, free face painting, a children’s area and a Rotary sausage sizzle are just some of the attractions planned for the event.

Click here to register.