A few extra dollars will go towards Gippsland Rotary Centenary House this Sunday, but the actual amount depends on how well two runners do in the DFP Recruitment Community Fun Run and Walk.
The Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, is taking part and at Voyage Media we’re keen to see how well he does against last year’s winner Michael Tripodi.
We’ll give $2 to Centenary House for every place Michael finishes ahead of Darren.
17 year old Michael is returning to fitness from an injury but, depending on the strength of the competition, we expect he’ll finish in the top ten. As for Darren, well, he has already admitted to a lapse in form.
“My training has slipped and my pre-event diet consists of a few too many pies from Gippsland bakeries and plenty of coffee, so I’m expecting my time to blow out,” Darren said.
Our pledge matches one from Darren who will also give $2 to Centenary House for every person who crosses the line ahead of him.
“This gives me added incentive to do well,” said Michael, who is also a regular participant in Parkrun Traralgon.
“I’m feeling good coming back from injury and will hopefully give Darren something to chase after.”
Online registrations for this Sunday’s event have been good with the organisers, the Traralgon Harriers, hoping to attract around 400 entries.
There’ll be a five kilometre run or walk and a 1.5 kilometre run for children under 12, starting and ending in a carnival atmosphere in Traralgon’s Kay Street Gardens.
Money raised from the 21st DFP Recruitment Community Fun Run and Walk will go to Gippsland Rotary Centenary House, a community-based not-for-profit accommodation facility for patients and their families who come from across the region to attend the Cancer Care Centre at Latrobe Regional Hospital.
The House is currently expanding with construction underway on 13 new independent living units which will double its present capacity. Darren was able to secure $900,000 from the federal government for the project, to add to fundraising by supporters of the House.
Voyage Media is the business entity of journalist and writer Greg Allen, who also works at one of the sponsors of the Community Fun Run and Walk, radio stations TRFM and Gippsland’s Gold 98.3 FM & 1242 AM.
“Gippsland Rotary Centenary House has been a wonderful help for local families, providing accommodation and support during a difficult time,” Greg said.
“And while I’m not wishing for Darren to do too badly on Sunday, I hope for the sake of the charity that there’s a fairly large margin between him and Michael at the finish line!”
Entries are still being taken for the Community Fun Run and Walk until midnight this Friday. There’s a discounted rate for online entries before the deadline or participants can enter on the day.
Voyage Media 