Thousands of Victorians rally to raise funds for Run for the Kids

Thousands of Victorians have laced up Run for the Kids to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal after a two-year hiatus due to Covid.

Thousands turn out to Run for the Kids. Picture: Michael Klein

The weather may have been gloomy, but no spirits could be dampened as runners rallied for the 2022 Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids.

Thousands turned up with bright smiles and colourful costumes to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal after the event’s two-year hiatus due to Covid.

Not much can put a stop to traffic on the Bolte Bridge, but joggers and walkers dressed as Disney characters and in fluorescent tutus did just that.

Melbourne’s CBD buzzes as runners take off. Picture: Tony Gough

Team Bella Allan all decked in yellow. Picture: Tony Gough

Runners get colourful. Picture: Tony Gough

Teams supporting individual kids turned up in matching outfits, showing vast scales of support in waves of blue, pink, yellow and green.

The crew walking for Bella Allan, decked out in yellow, gathered nearly 300 people to walk in her honour – raising $10,000 for the cause just among themselves.

Bella’s older sister Chelsea said her little sibling was diagnosed with leukaemia seven years ago, sadly losing her battle in January this year.

“She went through so many treatments at the Royal Children’s,” Chelsea said.

Her family member Loretta said after losing Bella mere months ago, the event took on a new level of importance.

“Even though Bella lost her battle, we will keep continuing to support the Royal Children’s,” Loretta said.

Big crowds pack the Bolte Bridge for the event. Picture: Michael Klein

Firefighters Peter, Sam, Corey, Tony, Rob, Karen and Adrian. Picture: Tony Gough

Team scarlett, Matt, Kirsten, Nash and Layla. Picture: Tony Gough

The runs started at 8am and 9.30am respectively, with keen amateur athletes and experienced competitors setting off for either the 14.8km or 5.2km course.

In the long course, Para-athlete Sam Rizzo took out first place, followed by Olympians Liam Adams in the men’s and Sinead Diver in the women’s.

Rizzo said he would not want to be anywhere else.

“After all this time, it’s great that we can get back together and do what we love for such a fantastic cause,” he said.

Para-athlete Sam Rizzo. Picture: Tony Gough

Olympian Liam Adams. Picture: Tony Gough

Olympian Sinead Diver. Picture: Tony Gough

Winners Sinead Diver, Liam Adams, Sam Rizzo with Steve Moneghetti at the finish line. Picture: Tony Gough

The donations from participants hit $1.1m, which was then topped up by Transurban Group Executive Henry Byrne by $100,000 – bringing the total funds raised this year to $1.2m.

Including the contributions of 2022, the Run for the Kids has raised a total of $20.6m for the Royal Children’s Hospital since its inception in 2006.

Among the participants were NewsCorp’s Penny Fowler and Robert Thomson, who were enthusiastic to get involved and show their support for the cause.

“So many admirable people are doing it, and it’s a profoundly important thing for Victoria and the country,” Mr Thomson said.

Brianna and Carys jump for joy. Picture: Tony Gough

News Corp chief executive office Robert Thomson and chairman of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal Penny Fowler. Picture: Michael Klein

Mike, Chantal, Mia and Amelia. Picture: Tony Gough

Lucy, Madeleine, Erica and Olivia. Picture: Tony Gough

Ms Fowler said it was fantastic to see everyone out and about in Melbourne running again.

Other familiar faces included Lord Mayor Sally Capp, Sarah Jones of Fox Footy and Aussie long-distance runner Steve Moneghetti who was the event’s official race organiser.

The course took off at Docklands and climbed over the Bolte Bridge and through CityLink to wind back around to Docklands.