Run for the Kids 2017

If you happen to visit Australia, and Melbourne, a week before Easter, don't hesitate to sign up for Run for the Kids. A beautiful Autumn run organised since 2006 to support local children's hospital.

It's not a marathon, or even a half. The longest distance this year was 14.6km, but it has it all. Interesting course, the cheers, great atmosphere and a sense of achievement.

You won't get a medal, but you get lots of love from the cheering crowds. You will help just by running as most of your entry fee goes to Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal. You will also get to run through the roads normally out of the reach for pedestrians and runners, and other races - Domain Tunnel and Bolte Bridge (the best view of Melbourne while running, ever!). You will run along the river and through the city, and maybe even get the best and sweetest apples in the world when you finish.

Last year I ran it for the first time and I did it despite ITBS I got about a month earlier. I had to really take it easy. The weather was nice though and I fell in love with the atmosphere and an unique course.

This year the weather was awful, it was cold, and raining, and... bad luck, I was sick all the week before. Still, together with nearly 30k other runners, cheered by volunteers, families and friends, I showed up at the start line at 8.30 am.

The run was just great. Starting from Alexandra Gardens then quickly over Yarra River and into the Domain Tunnel. Long, hot and noisy... but unbelievably entertaining. Just listen to the echo of thousands tapping feet. Calming? Meditative? Not really. More like a funny dance music.

Then you're suddenly appear from underground in Southbank. Skyscrapers on your right, South Melbourne and Port Melbourne on your left. Catching a glimpse of the Port Phillip Bay in the distance. You fell like a King or Queen of the roads! No cars allowed on this normally super busy West Gate Freeway. Just you... and thousands of other Kings and Queens. Soon you slide left, then a loop and Bolte Bridge with its two distinctive pillars. You can admire the most unique panorama of Melbourne on your right. Don't forget about that must have selfie on the bridge!

Downhill to Docklands, Melbourne's posh harbour, newest business district and home to Etihad Stadium and the Melbourne Star Ferris wheel. Then above the train tracks near Southern Cross Station and back over then along Yarra River next to casinos, skyscrapers and one of the biggest concert halls - Hamer Hall.
Soon you see yourself back in Alexandra Gardens. The cheering crowds are dense. The music loud and tons of apples... refreshingly delicious. What a day! What a run!
See you next time R4K
More information and registrations www.runforthekids.com.au