February 17, 2015
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has pledged to donate $2 for every person who beats him across the line in the DFB Recruitment Latrobe City Traralgon Community Fun Run and Walk on March 1.
The community fun run is coordinated by the Traralgon Harriers running club to raise money for Gippsland Rotary Centenary House.
Mr Chester, who is a Traralgon Harriers patron and keen marathon runner, will compete in the 5km event and make a personal donation for anyone who finishes ahead of him.
“Supporting Gippsland Centenary Rotary House is one of my passions, so to combine it with another hobby – running – was an opportunity too good to pass up,” Mr Chester said.
“Gippsland Centenary Rotary House provides a home away from home for patients and families visiting the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre and relies on the support of charities.
“The Traralgon Harriers raised more than $5500 in last year’s event and it would be terrific if the Latrobe Valley community can help beat this tally so we can continue to support a vital local organisation.”
Mr Chester, who normally prefers longer distance events compared to 5km races, said he would complete the distance in 25-28 minutes.
“Admittedly I haven’t been able to train as much as I would like in the past few weeks, so if I start seeing too many heads in front of me I might need to set a new personal best!” Mr Chester said.
Traralgon Harriers president Will Hanrahan said the running club was keen to attract local sporting clubs, particularly football and netball players, who might be in pre-season training.
“We really want to attract runners with the potential to beat Darren across the line, so we can get the best possible donation for Gippsland Centenary Rotary House,” Mr Hanrahan said.
“However, the event also has a strong emphasis on entries in the 5km walk category, so not everybody needs to be an athlete to show their support for this great community initiative.”
Lavalla College is looking to ramp up its student participation in the event and be the school with the most entries.
Organisers are anticipating this healthy competition between schools will filter across to workplaces, sporting clubs and other community groups.
Students from Lavalla College joined Mr Chester on a light training run in Traralgon on Monday to promote the challenge and encourage more people to enter.
People can enter as teams or individuals and early bird entries close Friday February 20.
Entries for this event will only be available online.
Details: www.traralgonharriers.org.au
CAPTION: Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with students from Lavalla College who will enter in the DFB Recruitment Latrobe City Traralgon Community Fun Run and Walk.
