Boot camp Melbourne

14.1km course

Event Start time is 9.00am

The 2009 Herald Sun/CityLink Run for the Kids long course incorporates all of the unique features that have made it a landmark event and gives participants access to normally off-limit roads.
The race village and start/finish area are in Kings Domain, making it easy for family and friends who are not competing to be part of the fun and close to the action.
We thank CityLink once again for its outstanding support in giving competitors access to both Bolte Bridge and Domain Tunnel.
The race starts at Kings Domain in Alexandra Avenue, right next to the Alexandra Gardens, heads over Swan Street Bridge, into Batman Avenue and through the Domain Tunnel.
Coming off Bolte Bridge with its million dollar views, runners travel back into the city via Harbour Esplanade, cross the river again at Spencer Street, turn left into Yarra Promenade with Crown Entertainment Complex on one side and the Yarra on the other, then down St Kilda Road via Flinders Street, past the Arts Centre and finishing in Linlithgow Avenue.

5.7km course

Event Start time is 8.45am

A shorter 5.7km scenic course is also available to allow those participants who do not feel comfortable about running or jogging 14.1km but wish to be involved in the event and play a significant part in raising money for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
The short course does a circuit of the Yarra River via Birrarung Marr and Federation Square, and then a circuit of the Botanic Gardens along the Tan and Birdwood Avenue. The run starts Alexandra Avenue and ends in Linlithgow Avenue near Government House Drive

FAQs

What will it be like to run through the tunnel?

Race director Steve Moneghetti was given permission to test run the Domian Tunnel (1.6km) during a tunnel closure. He feels the tunnel section adds to the uniqueness of the course, and as the longest Tunnel to be used for any run in the world far as he is aware.
He also said it was quite eerie, bordering on spiritual, running through the tunnel with no cars or other vehicles around. There is an initial slight descent into the tunnel and a short sharp rise exiting the tunnel. But according to Mona, it is quite a minor hill.

Will running through the tunnel be dangerous to my health?

If you are worried about air quality, there is absolutely no need for concern. There are giant jet fans that clear CityLink tunnels of fuel emissions and air quality in the tunnels is well within EPA guidelines. On this occasion, CityLink will close the Domain Tunnel at 9pm on Saturday night to all vehicular traffic for regular maintenance and to get the course ready for the run. So, given a clean air environment, you should assess any risk to your health on the basis of any pre-existing condition or an aversion to tunnels.

How do I enter?

Your can enter via two methods.
On-line by visiting our race website at www.runforthekids.com.au
On-line entries close on Friday, March 20, 2009.

Postal Entries
Entry forms are available in the Herald Sun newspaper. Post entry form with cheque or credit card details to:
Run for the Kids
PO Box 14666
Melbourne
VIC 8001
Postal entries must be received by Friday March 6, 2009.

Is there anywhere to apply in person?

This year there will not be an Event Shop and entries will not be accepted in person.
Is $21 of my entry really going to The Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal?

Yes, absolutely. The Managing Director of the Herald and Weekly Times, Mr Peter Blunden, has assured that $21 out of $35 race entry for the 14.1km event and $16 out of $30 entry fee for the 5.7km event will go directly to the Good Friday Appeal. We believe that we are the only fun run in Australia to make such a significant contribution via entry fees to a race charity.

Can I bring my pet dog to walk the course with me?

No. As with most fun runs the organisers will not permit any animals on the course.

Can I ride my bike alongside my friend who is running?

No. For safety reasons, bikes, roller-skaters and roller-bladers are prohibited on the course.

Can I bring my pram?

Prams are permitted but entrants who bring along an infant will be required to start at the rear of the Red zone (14.1km) or White zone (5.7km ).

I have a toddler, do they have to pay?

As with babies, infants who are pushed in prams or strollers do not have to register. But many parents do enter children younger than five the race as they know that the majority of their entry fee is going directly to the Good Friday Appeal, that this portion is tax deductible and a receipt is provided. Young children will also enjoy a range of free activities at the finish area as part of what we hope is a special family occasion.

Are there any rules for young children?

Children who intend walking the 5.7km course must do so under the supervision of their parent or a guardian and should be entered and wearing a race number. It is the right of the organisers to remove any person without a race bib from the course.

Can my 10-year-old go in the 14.1km event?

There is no age limit for the 14.1km event and we are aware that many families will want to walk the full course together as part of a special day out for a special cause. There is no prize in the 14.1km event for children as the organisers do not wish to encourage children younger than 12 to race such a long distance. But it is up to the parent or the guardian to decide if their child is capable of completing and enjoying the longer course.

Will there be a shuttle bus service from the finish area to the start area?

No, a shuttle bus is not required this year as the start and finish lines are very close to each other.

Can some of my team members be entered in different zones and different races?

Team leaders should be aware that they need to treat the 5.7km event and 14.1km event as two different races. A minimum of six members may enter in a team in either the 5.7km or the 14.1km event. There is no maximum number of participants in a team and you may enter teams in one or both events on separate entry forms. The team entrants can come from any of the zones in each event.

Teams entering the 14.1km event will be eligible for team prizes. Times for the first six finishers in a team are the only ones that count and the team finish time is the average of those six times.

There are no prizes for teams entering the 5.7km event. While the organisers understand that many teams will be competitive in the short race, it is regarded more as a participation event to encourage those who may find the long course too much of a challenge.

www.runforthekids.com.au