Run for the Kids

Wow what an experience! My first time running in 'Run for the Kids'.

Over 27,000 people participated, and raised over $700,000 for the Royal Children's Hospital. It was a great feeling to be part of it.

My Brother in Law and his mate travelled from Gippsland to run the 14km course. They had only started training this month, and their longest run was 7-8km, so I wasn't very confident about them finishing without walking part of the way. As it was their first organised run, I wanted to run with them.

After a bit of a stretch...


and goodbye to my little mate...


We were off.

To stop us from going out too fast, I deliberately started in the middle of the runners. The strategy worked well, and we gradually increased our pace to the tunnel.

I've driven in the tunnel a few times before, and I knew it went up hill after the half way point. I was a little worried about this, but we managed to make it to the top without much fuss. The big industrial fans inside the tunnel were a welcome relief and cooled us down a little.


Despite an unscheduled pit stop, the guy's were doing well, and by the time they had made it to the top of the Bolte Bridge, they had run further than before.


We ran together the rest of the way. The crowd and the entertainment ensured that we didn't slow down to a walk.

We crossed the line at 1:20(ish).

A fantastic day was had by all. It was great to run in an event without having to worry about times, and just take in the atmosphere, and the amazing views.

As for my Brother in Law; I think this may be the start of things to come.

For me; I think I might set my sights for 'Run Melbourne' Half Marathon on 22nd June 2008.