Run for the Kids: New name, courses for 2019 fun run

Melbourne’s favourite fun run has had a facelift ahead of next year’s event, with a new name and two exciting new courses that allow every entrant to walk or run over the Bolte Bridge.

Moonee Ponds couple Charlotte Wilson and Liam Adams are hoping to make next year’s Run for the Kids their third consecutive wins in the long-course division.

The event has special significance to the reigning champions.

“As a severe asthmatic I was constantly in and out of the Royal Children’s Hospital growing up,” Liam, 32, said.

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“We run together every day, so getting involved in the event was an obvious way to say thanks for everything they’ve done while helping raise funds,” Charlotte, 26, said.

Moonee Ponds couple Charlotte Wilson and Liam Adams are hoping for three-peat of their Run for the Kids long course wins in 2019. Picture: Alex Coppel

RUN FOR THE KIDS 2019 DATES AND TIMES

The 2019 Run for the Kids will be held on Sunday, April 7. 

New, later start times make the event even better for families, especially those relying on V/Line services to make it to the start line on time.

The 12.8km long course starts from 9am.

The 5.2km Woodlea Short Course starts from 10.15am

NEW COURSES FOR 2019 RUN FOR THE KIDS

Now in its 14th year, Melbourne’s favourite fun run has had a facelift ahead of next year’s event, with a new name – the Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids – and two new courses that allow every entrant to walk or run over the Bolte Bridge.

“It’s exciting to give all participants the chance to experience the best views in Melbourne from the Bolte Bridge while raising money for such a great cause,” said Transurban group executive Victoria and strategy Wes Ballantine.

The 2019 Run for the Kids will start and finish in the Docklands.

The 2018 Run for the Kids.

Both 2019 courses will go over the Bolte Bridge.

5.2KM WOODLEA SHORT COURSE

The new 5.2km Woodlea Short Course begins at Marvel Stadium before heading on to the West Gate Freeway and over the Bolte Bridge northbound, taking in Melbourne’s best views before finishing along the water at Newquay Promenade in the Docklands.

“We are thrilled to be the first to sponsor the Run for the Kids Short Course,” said Matthew Dean, project director of Woodlea’s Rockbank estate.

“We want to encourage the community to get fit and active as well as support the Royal Children’s Hospital.”

The Run for the Kids 2019 Woodlea Short Course Map.

Cost: $55 per entry, with more than half donated to the Good Friday Appeal

Distance: 5.2km

Start time: from 10.15am

Woodlea resident Ryan White and daughters Chloe, 5, and Emma, 7, are warming up for the Run for the Kids. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

12.8KM LONG COURSE

The revamped 12.9km long course kicks off at Marvel Stadium and continues on to the West Gate Freeway and Bolte, before passing the Royal Children’s Hospital on Flemington Rd and then returning to the Docklands, finishing near Harbour Esplanade.

The Run for the Kids 2019 long course map.

Cost: $60 per entry, with more than half donated to the Good Friday Appeal

Distance: 12.8km

Start time: from 9am

A runner in 2019.

Participants in last year’s short course.

RUN FOR THE KIDS FUNDRAISING

The annual Run for the Kids fun run raises money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

In 2018, more than 23,000 participants raised $1.4 million, bringing the event’s total fundraising efforts for the hospital to $17 million.

The event hsa raised $17 million for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

HOW TO ENTER RUN FOR THE KIDS

Entries at runforthekids.com.au.

WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO AT RUN FOR THE KIDS

With loads of free activities and family friendly entertainment, bring the whole family and enjoy everything Docklands has to offer.

A free Kids Zone will be available in Docklands Park to keep young children entertained or visit one of the many nearby cafes for a lovely post-run lunch.

For AFL fans, there is a match at Marvel Stadium at 2.30pm.

HOW TO VOLUNTEER AT RUN FOR THE KIDS

If you are not a runner or a walker, then you can still participate as part of the Volunteer Army. 

Register now as a volunteer at runforthekids.com.au and play your part in supporting the Good Friday Appeal.

HOW TO GET TO RUN FOR THE KIDS

Due to the road closures, public transport is recommended.  

Get off the train at Southern Cross Station, and it is a short wander to the start line.

STEVE MONEGHETTI'S RUN FOR THE KIDS TRAINING PROGRAM

Race director Steve Moneghetti loves seeing fellow Victorians get active for a good cause.

“Run for the Kids has this contagious community spirit that people love to get behind,” he said.

If you need a little guidance ahead of the fun run, check out Steve’s training program every Friday in the Herald Sun.

“It’s great for beginners, seasoned marathon runners and everyone in between,” he said.