Joel Selwood, Geelong Cats player and Run Geelong ambassador, was on hand to encourage the fun runners and start the race. The two courses (6km and 12km) took runners around the Geelong city streets, the bay foreshore and along the Barwon River before finishing with a lap of Skilled Stadium, the home of the Geelong Cats AFL club.
Geelong Dreams Big
The Victorian city is located on the south western arm of Port Phillip Bay. The community support for this event has been extraordinary over its two year history. Over 8500 runners pounded the pavement and raised $300 000 for the Geelong hospital. The deep community spirit at this event was evident, and something race organizers hope will not only support the new hospital ward, but swell the athlete numbers above 10 000 next year. This would be an amazing effort considering the larger Run Melbourne event has 17 000 runners.
Rantall and Thompson Victors
Not only did this event attract the local joggers, but also Commonwealth representative Anna Thompson who took out the women's 12km event. Thompson dominated the women's event despite the fact she has kept a low profile since the 2006 Games.
In the men's 12km event it was a dramatic sprint finish, with defending champion Scott Rantall cutting the tape first. Rantall not only had to sprint past the frontrunner but also weave past the masses of walkers finishing in the 6km (which started earlier). The chaotic scene saw walkers and prams as obstacles with Rantall sprinting to victory.
Cotton On Foundation
The Run Geelong event is supported through the Cotton On clothing company. The Cotton On Foundation aims to create sustainable change in the environment and lives of those in need by supporting a number of causes, including the Geelong Hospital Children's Ward. More details of this fashion with cause at www.cottononfoundation.org/index.html