Run for the Kids 2017: Steve Moneghetti shares training secrets

IT’S time to lace up and start training for the Herald Sun CityLink Run for the Kids. Here’s how runner Steve Moneghetti thinks you should train.

Kids Finn, 5, Abbie, 8, Liam 11, Ben, 10, Liam, 11, Matt, 14, Keeley, 16 and Herald Sun/ CityLink Run for the Kids race director Steve Moneghetti. Picture: Josie Hayden.

THESE kids aren’t giving Steve Moneghetti a run for his money — they’re running to make money for sick kids.

Training for this year’s Herald Sun CityLink Run for the Kids has begun, with race director Moneghetti encouraging participants to get moving.

Mona’s nine week training program features in today’s Herald Sun, and will appear every Friday until the event on April 9.

“What I normally do is have a general program for a couple of weeks,” he said.

“This way it gives people time to decide on what course they want to do.

“After they choose a course, the training program is divided into two.”

Both the family friendly 4.8km and the long 14.6km courses will give runners a once in a year opportunity to run through the Domain Tunnel, otherwise inaccessible by foot.

Those competing in the longer course will get to run over the Bolte Bridge.

“The longer course has more hills ... the shorter course has more of an atmosphere,” he said.

Herald Sun CityLink Run for the Kids race director Steve Moneghetti (centre) with kids Liam, 11, Ben, 10, Liam, 11, Abbie, 8, Finn, 5, Keeley, 16 and Matt, 14. Picture: Josie Hayden.

The long distance runner said the better prepared, the more likely you’ll enjoy the event.

“If you’re nervous then it’s going to be a negative experience,” he said.

“I think the really important this is to be aware the training will take ten weeks. That’s a very long time,”

“The better prepared you are in your training, the more enjoyable the day will be.”

More than 50 per cent of entry fees go directly to the Good Friday Appeal.

Last year more than 27,000 Melburnians dug deep, both out on the running track and in their hip pockets, to raise $1.7 million to help the state’s sick children.

Entries are now open at: www.runforthekids.com.au

@Kara_Irving