Run for the Kids: Time is running out to register
Time is ticking - there’s less than three weeks to go until Victoria’s favourite fun run hits the streets of Melbourne. Here’s how you can get involved before entries close.
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Get ready to hit the road – the 2022 Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids is almost here.
Proudly supported by the Herald Sun, Run for the Kids is Melbourne’s most loved fun run, raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal.
Returning on April 3 for its 16th instalment, Victorians are encouraged to lace up and run a great course for a great cause.
Enter now for your once-a-year opportunity to tackle the Bolte Bridge and Domain Tunnel in the epic 14.8km long course or take on the family-friendly 5.2km short course, with its magnificent views of Melbourne.
This year, the state will unite to smash the event’s $20million target in total funds raised as generous donations pour in from far and wide plus a portion of each entry going directly to the Good Friday Appeal.
Entrants can up the fun-factor on race day by entering a team. Family, friends, school mates, housemates, work colleagues, running club mates or fellow gym junkies can make it a day to remember. Create your team today and encourage everyone you know to be part of the action on race day.
If running or walking isn’t your thing, but you’d still like to make a contribution to the Appeal, then volunteering could be for you.
So what are you waiting for? Register to run here.
We can all breathe easy now
These days, Claire England is a cheerful, healthy baby – a far cry from the sickly newborn treated at the Royal Children’s Hospital last year.
The 9½-month-old was born with breathing issues that led first-time parents Will and Hannah England to the Royal Children’s Hospital, where she was diagnosed with severe laryngomalacia at seven weeks old.
“Due to Claire’s condition, which meant she was born with a faulty larynx, she wasn’t getting enough oxygen while sleeping, so the doctors told us corrective surgery would be required,” Will said
“Obviously that information was quite a lot to take in for any new parent. I see seven-week-olds now and I realise just how small she was to go through that.”
Six months post-surgery, baby Claire has been officially discharged from hospital.
“The team at the Royal Children’s Hospital provided so much relief and support to us. It was almost immediate, as if someone had wrapped us in a comfy blanket,” Will said.
“I still remember walking into the hospital for the first time and winding up in the Children’s ICU. The level of care provided to not only us but all Victorians who need the hospital’s services, it’s just astonishing.”
Will is gearing up to support the Good Friday Appeal and 2022 Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids next month to demonstrate his family’s gratitude. The keen runner is on paternity leave and hopes to squeeze in some training.
“I’m coming in pretty cold … if I feel any pain on the day I’m just going to suck it up. If you’re like me and have barely run in nine months, just put on some runners and have a go,” Will said. “The Children’s gives so much to our state, so why not join in on the run or walk and raise some money?”
Register, donate or volunteer ahead of the April 3 event at runforkids.com.au
Heart set on helping
Melbourne dad Calvin Gilzean thought the hardest day of his life was when his 10-month-old son underwent open-heart surgery at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
He was wrong.
It came several months later when young Hayden and his parents had to go through the stress of heart surgery all over again.
When the Herald Sun first met the family, the then 14-month-old toddler had recovered from his initial surgery to treat a heart defect called AVSD.
He was “rocking on like a little champ”, happily sitting on his dad’s shoulders as he posed for photos.
But just a week later, the Croydon toddler fell dangerously ill and was admitted to The Royal Children’s Hospital, where doctors could not believe he was still alive.
Mr Gilzean described waking up throughout the night, constantly getting up to check that his son was still with them.
Hayden was suffering from sepsis and endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, and underwent emergency open-heart surgery for the latter as soon as he was strong enough.
Mr Gilzean said the second operation was much harder for him and his wife Jessica. They knew how agonising it was to wait for that call and, unlike the previous time, also knew how long heart surgery should take – meaning they began to worry as time stretched on.
“You sit there feeling numb and helpless,” he said.
“Your heart and soul is worrying,” Mr Gilzean said.
Thankfully, The Royal Children’s Hospital staff saved his life for a second time, and the now 21-month-old boy has made a full recovery “against the odds”.
Mr Gilzean paid tribute to the care shown by staff, and said nurses were “what makes the hospital truly special”.
“As much as they’re looking after patients, they’re looking after parents as well,” he said.
“We’ve always donated in the past, but now to be one of the main beneficiaries … I need to be more than a passive donor,” Mr Gilzean said.
So he decided to lace up his running shoes and sign up for Run for the Kids, roping in as many relatives as he could to join him.
“I can really make a difference now (and do) something positive that gives back,” he said.
“My aim is to not only ... create an understanding of what Hayden’s condition was, but also a sense of appreciation for this great resource out there called the children’s hospital.”
Sign up here to take part, volunteer or sponsor a participant today.
Levi’s progress speaks volumes for hospital support
In and out of hospital for much of his first six years, Levi Cannizzo has endured more than most his age.
A step up to start school in recent weeks came as a welcome bonus given the hurdles already faced as a child with a lymphovascular malformation.
The rare congenital condition, in which a clump of abnormal lymph vessels forms a growing cluster of cysts, affected Levi’s tongue. Mild autism and an intellectual disability only compounded his journey.
“It’s been a massive period of change for Levi. He’s now progressed to school and he seems really happy,” dad David Cannizzo said.
“What’s really exciting is he’s never been that verbal. He can speak but struggles to articulate speech – he’s now articulating his speech. It’s just a specific milestone that’s so important.”
David and his wife Hayley Read could not have imagined Levi’s life without the extraordinary efforts of The Royal Children’s Hospital, support that prompted their decision to assemble a team for this year’s Run for the Kids.
A blue Run for Levi shirt bearing an image of his favourite teddy, Elmi, had already been ordered for more than 70 runners, while Hayley said a fundraising goal of $8000 had already passed $7000.
“I always watch the Good Friday Appeal and kind of heard the stories, and of course you appreciate it, but you never understand until you go through it,” David said.
“They genuinely are unbelievable at what they do.”
Cause for hope
Kirsten Hough knows her son Wes will always have his challenges dealing with the effects of meningitis.
But after a tough start to life there was cause for hope that her now-happy four-year-old would not need the exceptional care of the Royal Children’s Hospital again.
Mrs Hough will take part in her fourth Run for the Kids this year in a nod to the support Wes received.
“After Wes was born we realised he wasn’t feeding,” Mrs Hough said. “He was quite irritable and lethargic so we took him to the ED. They stabilised him before taking him to the Children’s.
“He was diagnosed with parechovirus, (which led to) meningitis and septic shock, so he spent 10 days in NICU (neonatal intensive care) and HCU (high-care unit) … The hospital staff were amazing.”
Mrs Hough said with visits to Wes’s pediatrician and therapy, they were optimistic his stints at RCH were over. There was comfort in knowing the care they experienced before would be given again if they needed it.
Register to run here.
Rebecca makes a bolte for it
It will be a sentimental, full- circle moment for Rebecca Maddern when she hits the ground running at this year’s Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids.
The Channel 7 identity is participating in the charity run for the first time, and it’s also one of her first events since returning to the network.
“After six years, it’s really nice to return home to Channel 7 and once again be part of The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. And a really important part of that fundraising appeal is Run for the Kids,” Maddern said.
The television journalist is confident big crowds will return to the fun run after the pandemic forced it to be cancelled for the past two years – even if she is a little rusty on the running front.
“I tried to go for a run the other day, but it was a bit of a disaster,” she said.
“I hurt my knee and lost my house keys, so I’ve set a very low bar, but I’m going to improve.”
Run for the Kids is close to the hearts of Victorians as it raises funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital. For parents across the state, the hospital is a source of great comfort, and Maddern can still recall when her daughter, Ruby, was treated there.
“My little girl is almost four now and we’ve been really lucky that we haven’t had to deal with anything too serious, but I’ve had so many friends who have experienced long periods with their children in the hospital and it can be heartbreaking,” she said.
“We are so fortunate in Victoria to have the best children’s hospital in the world, and we need to do everything we can to keep it at that level.”
This year’s Run for the Kids takes place on Sunday, April 3, and features a short course of 5.2km and a long course stretching 14.8km. Register here.
Reckon you can keep up with the Jonses?
A snapped Achilles tendon nine years ago and the subsequent birth of her two daughters were fair cause for Fox Sports host Sarah Jones’ long-distance running hiatus.
But an invitation to join Run for the Kids as race ambassador for 2022 was the perfect catalyst for a return to fun runs, while supporting a cause close to her heart.
“I like to run and it’s kind of my physical, mental, everything escape,” Jones said. “Before I had kids I did a few half-marathons and I’ve done Run for the Kids a couple of times, but I snapped my Achilles in 2013 and then I had the kids.
“This is a good one to get back and do something fun. I’m not very fast or very good at it, but I do enjoy long-distance running.”
Jones became acutely aware of the extraordinary work the Royal Children’s Hospital did after a first-hand experience with youngest daughter Halle, 4.
“When Halle was a little baby we were up in emergency with her, and the nurses and doctors there were such special and beautiful people,” Jones said. “I think any Victorian parent that’s had contact with them knows they’re just a really kind, gentle, nurturing group of people, as well as being very talented and smart.
“We’re lucky to have that hospital here. Even during the pandemic I think we’ve seen what a big role they’re playing.”
With 20 seasons at Fox Footy under her belt, Jones said she could not wait to see a return to a packed MCG for the start of the season.
Runners can join Jones at this year’s Run for the Kids on April 3. Register here.
Certain causes get under your skin
Matilda Philp is living proof of the lifesaving work of The Royal Children’s Hospital’s burns unit.
Matilda was almost two years old when she fell into a bath full of hot water, landing her in the hospital’s intensive care unit for five days and requiring major skin grafts and an ear reconstruction.
Her mother, Moira, eight months pregnant at the time, said the accident changed her world in a heartbeat.
“That was very traumatic,” Ms Philp said.
“We rushed her to the ICU and a nurse picked up that her breathing was very shallow.”
Matilda’s throat had been burnt and was swollen as a result of the intense heat, leaving her unable to breathe without a ventilator for days.
That was until Ms Philp was able to cradle her for the first time alongside a specialist burns nurse, who had been funded via Run for the Kids.
Now 15, Matilda has endured skin grafts on her face, neck and shoulders, and a complete ear reconstruction.
The “very lucky teen” said she and her family were taking part in this year’s Run for the Kids because the dedicated team at the Children’s not only supported her through her journey back to health, but also gave her the ability to wear a mask during Covid, just like her friends and family.
“They have been really supportive through the whole thing,” Matilda said.
“The ear works so well, now I can even wear a mask. It is so important to raise awareness and give back.”
You can join Matilda on long or short courses at Run for the Kids on April 3. Register at runforthekids.com.au.
Parents at full stretch
The Sirim family is keen to hit the road to support The Royal Children’s Hospital in the Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids.
After diagnosis with a birth defect in July, Taylan Sirim received urgent help from the hospital.
His mother, Gulay, said he was incredibly fortunate to receive the care he needed, particularly given the present pressures on the health system.
“They were so fantastic through the whole experience, and we just want to do whatever we can to give back,” Ms Sirim said.
Dad Rob will be running, and Gulay will be volunteering. “They do such amazing work for countless families, and they deserve all our support,” she said.
The run is back in Melbourne on April 3 after a pandemic-related postponement. Runners can sign up online here and part of entry fees go directly to the Good Friday Appeal.
Saying thanks is one of many reasons to run
Susan Mann is looking forward to running in April, to say thank you for the medical care her family has received.
The Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids will return on April 3, after it was postponed from August last year due to Covid concerns.
A regular participant since 2014, Ms Mann will run the 14.8km course and join many other runners raising money for the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal.
“My eight-year-old twin daughters were born three months premature and have been admitted to the Children’s Hospital about 50 times each,” Ms Mann said.
“When they get a cold, their lungs can’t cope and they need oxygen to get through it.
“The Children’s Hospital has also provided eye surgeries, dental help, allied health like physiotherapy, and psychiatry.
“We’ve been through a long list of different staff who’ve helped our family. So that’s my motivation for the run, to say thank you.”
Ms Mann follows race director Steve Moneghetti’s tailored training program and she has found the tough task becomes easier with experience.
“The first time you face a 14.8km run you think ‘there’s no way I can do that,’ but when you’ve done it once and you know your body can make it, it reduces the mental challenge,” she said.
Ready to take part? Get running and register here.
Kyra’s back in the running
Kyra Campbell is running not only for the kids this April, but for herself.
The Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids is back on April 3 after Covid uncertainty forced organisers to reschedule last August’s event.
Ms Campbell has signed up for the fun run and is one of many who will be raising money for the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal.
The mother broke her back while working a night shift as a paramedic in 2018 and was forced to undergo neurosurgery.
Ms Campbell said 2022 was the year she was going to challenge herself and complete the run.
“I don’t think I’ll do very well but as long as I finish,” she said.
“I am very happy to be running again and completing what I have always wanted to accomplish.”
A portion of all entry fees going directly to the Good Friday Appeal – register here.
Early birds are winners
Victorians are encouraged to lace up these holidays, as the city’s favourite fun run returns for its 16th instalment.
Proudly supported by the Herald Sun, Run for the Kids is an annual event in Melbourne, raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal.
This year’s event was set to take place on August 29, but organisers were forced to reschedule to April 3 due to ongoing Covid uncertainty. Race director and champion marathon runner Steve Moneghetti took on Australia’s fastest bird at Ballarat Wildlife Park to promote the 2022 Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids Early Bird offer.
Emus can run at 60km/h, meaning they could cover the long course race distance of 14.8km in around 15 minutes – roughly a third of the time it takes the fastest human runners.
Ready to enter? Register here to take part.
Run for the Kids: Course Details
The Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids courses offer something for everyone. Here's everything you need to know about the next instalment.
LONG COURSE
Starting in Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, the long course will begin near the corner of Docklands Drive and head through New Quay before entering the Bolte Bridge.
After leaving the Bolte Bridge, entrants will enjoy views of South Melbourne and the CBD as the course route takes the Westgate Freeway before entering the Domain Tunnel.
Departing the Domain Tunnel at Batman Avenue, the route continues across Swan Street Bridge, before winding its way along Linlithgow Avenue through the leafy gardens of Kings Domain. Joining the St Kilda Road service lane, entrants will head back towards the CBD, along one of Melbourne’s most famous boulevards.
Just before the Yarra River, the course descends into the Alexandra Gardens, to the riverfront, with a straight, flat section along Southbank Promenade and Crown Promenade. (Please pay particular attention to instructions from Race Marshals through this section as there may be pedestrians and infrastructure)
Crossing Clarendon Street, the course turns right and heads up Spencer Street, before turning left down Collins Street for a descent to the finish line near the corner of Batman Hill Drive.
Tap the map to view full size.
SHORT COURSE
Starting on Harbour Esplanade near the corner of LaTrobe Street, the Short course route will wind its way through New Quay and over the Bolte Bridge southbound to take in the best views of Melbourne.
Leaving CityLink at Lorimer Street, the route re-enters Docklands via Charles Grimes Bridge before finishing in the Docklands Park Precinct.
Tap the map to view full size.
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