Anzac Centenary: Gallipoli Run at Kings Park to honour veterans

A WEEK before the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, hundreds of West Australians will make their way to Kings Park and run to honour the Anzacs.

Former soldiers Erik Pavlik and Daniel Cavanagh at Kings Park.

A WEEK before this year’s 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli beach landings, hundreds of West Australians will make their way to Kings Park for a community run to honour the Anzacs.

In its 12th year, the Bankwest Gallipoli Run is a novel way to commemorate the historic occasion.

Participants will line up at 7am on April 19 for a 10km run, or 5km run or walk through Kings Park.

Athletics WA chief executive Wayne Loxley said the Gallipoli Run was always a moving occasion, but this year would have extra significance.

Runners will be invited to place a wooden cross, with tributes and messages from WA schoolchildren, at the end of the event.

These will remain in place until after Anzac Day.

The crosses will then be sent overseas to cemeteries where Australian servicemen and women lie.

Retired Special Air Service soldier Erik Pavlik, who will run the 5km route, said the event was a great chance to raise funds and awareness for much-needed support services.

“We expect a lot from our servicemen,” Mr Pavlik said.

“And I think anyone who supports and helps those people and their families … should have all the help they can get.”

Veteran Daniel Cavanagh said Legacy helped the families of deceased servicemen and women feel like part of the community again.

Enter now: http://waathletics.org.au/Bankwest-Gallipoli-Run/Perth

Originally published as Anzac Centenary: Gallipoli Run at Kings Park to honour veterans