The countdown to one of Victoria’s most colourful fun-runs is on with registrations open for the annual City2Sea.
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More than 12,000 entrants are expected to run, walk and dance along the five-kilometre and 15-kilometre courses through Melbourne on Sunday, November 20.
While there will be plenty of serious athletes involved, including 2016 Olympic gold medallist swimmer Mack Horton, families are being encouraged to make a day of it, enjoying free entertainment and raising money for their favourite charities.
Early-bird entries include special family packages. This year, families who register for the City2Sea can buy two adult tickets and register their first child under 15 for free (saving $40). Single adult tickets start at $50.
Entrants who register before midnight on Tuesday, September 27, will go into the draw to win two Singapore Airlines flights to the value of $5000.
To register go to thecity2sea.com.au.
This year participants can get race-ready with Melbourne-based running coach Rupert van Dongen offering regional training runs three times a week. The training runs start from September 5.
Mack Horton is the City2Sea’s official ambassador this year and will be tackling the five-kilometre course for charity beyondblue.
“I’m really excited to come on board as the ambassador for the City2Sea. I know for a lot of Melbournians, it signifies the start of summer as the days get a bit longer and warmer, so I can’t wait to get out there with all the entrants and run through our beautiful city,” Horton said.
“The City2Sea has really become a staple event for the local community in recent years, so it will be a real privilege to join in to raise funds and awareness for charities and people who are doing it a lot tougher than we are.”
The Sunday Age City2Sea is a Fairfax Event, in partnership with Westpac.
The final run in the City Run Series, it leaves from the Melbourne CBD and finishes along the iconic Beaconsfield Parade and Catani Gardens in St Kilda.
Fairfax Events head of sport Chris Secker said: "The City2Sea showcases one of the most iconic courses in Melbourne and will again provide the fitting finale to what has been a very successful City Run Series across the country.
“We’re delighted to be able to announce some new initiatives in 2016 including the offer of family packages for the first time and free training runs for all participants in the lead-up to the event.”
Westpac’s Lisa Livis said: “Westpac are thrilled to support the local community through the ever-popular City2Sea to help raise funds for charities close to everyone’s hearts.
“This year Westpac will be raising funds and awareness for the Westpac Foundation, which has been providing support for not-for-profit organisations since 1879.”
There are three ways to support the City2Sea and raise funds. Participants can be a “hero” for their favourite charity, make a one-off donation when completing their event entry or supporters can sponsor a friend who is participating.
In 2015, the Sunday Age City2Sea presented by Westpac raised more than $450,000 for almost 200 charities. This year, the event aims to help raise $500,000 for more than 650 charities.