Sydney Festival Fun Run Has An '80s Flavour

THE Sydney Festival will bring the city back to the '80s for day one of its opening Fun Run.

In an ode to the Greek messenger Pheidippides - who ran 42.2km to Athens without stopping - performance artist Tristan Meecham, AKA Humps, will attempt to run a marathon on a treadmill dressed in tight Lycra shorts and gold sneakers to a soundtrack with visual effects.

Joining Humps for the January 5 event at Hyde Park will be an entourage of cheer squads including members of Redfern-based '80s aerobics group, Physique Aerobics.

Founder Kirk Docker said his team's job will be to ensure the crowd's spirits are keep high during the gruelling on-stage marathon.

"In terms of the Fun Run we have been asked to be part of the different community groups that participate on the day and help rev up the crowds," Mr Docker said.

"From footage of marathons I have seen it takes considerable time to run the marathon so we will be keeping the crowd's energy up and keeping them interested with a bunch of classic '80s aerobics moves."

2012 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival - 16th September

When is the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival?

The 2012 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival will be held on Sunday 16 September.

What is the date of the 2013 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival?

The 2013 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival will be held on Sunday, 22 September 2013.

Who can enter the event?

Anyone can enter the event whether you are an elite athlete, club runner, gym member, or simply someone who enjoys a social walk or jog. The event has four different distances to chose from so there is a run to suit all fitness levels and they all go over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Who owns the event?

This event is owned by Athletics Australia, a not-for-profit organisation responsible for managing the sport of athletics in Australia. It is important to note that all profits from the event go back into the community through Athletics Australia’s programs making this event one of the only true charitable running events in the country.

Why was the event started?

The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival is the only remaining legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. It started in 2001 when the NSW Government approved the continuation of a marathon in Sydney to promote fitness and health for the NSW community and to position Sydney as an international tourist destination. Twelve years on and the Blackmores Sydney Marathon and Running Festival is one of the most spectacular running events and marathons in the world.

How much has been raised over the years?

We are delighted to report that the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival has raised over $9.6 million for charitable causes raising a record $2.4 million in 2011. Our target for 2012 is $2.5 million.

How can I fundraise and run for free?

To get your entry fee refunded simply reach the individual target set for your event. Click here to learn how you can help us meet our overall fundraising target of $2.5 million and also how you can run for free.

What does my entry fee cover?

Besides a great day out with your friends and family, your event fee goes towards staging one of the most challenging events within Sydney, including extensive road closures, policing and other vital infrastructure to ensure a successful event for participants and non participants in Sydney.

Your event kit contains your race bib, timing chip, clothing bag, useful event information as well as a load of sponsor goodies. Each entrant will also receive free public transport to and from the event by showing your event bib. Each finisher will also receive a quality commemorative medal featuring an Australian athletic legend. Marathon finishers will also receive a finishers t-shirt for their efforts.

Can I volunteer to help?

Not participating, but still want to be part of the action and have some fun? Why not join the Suncorp Bank Volunteer team? Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community, meet people with similar interests and of course have fun and help some amazing people achieve their individual goal on event day. Click here to get involved >>

Will the event be broadcast on TV?

The 2012 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival event broadcast will be on Channel 9 on Sunday, November 18 2012.

Who can I contact for more information?

Visit our contact us page for all the details you will require.

Find Out More at the Offical site

Metro Hotels Staff Participating in the Annual Syd...

Metro Hotels Staff Participating in the Annual Sydney City 2 Surf Fun Run

Mandurah To Host Australia's Premier Ironman 70.3 Event

Mandurah will become home to Australia's premier Ironman 70.3 event in October thanks to sponsorship through Eventscorp's Regional Events Program, which is funded by Royalties for Regions.

The new Ironman 70.3 Australian Professional Championship (APC) will be the nation's main qualifier for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in the USA and is expected to attract a high quality field. The Mandurah Ironman 70.3 will be the showpiece of the Australian half ironman calendar and as such will be a great event to promote Mandurah, the Peel region and WA to the world.

The Ironman 70.3 series is the fastest growing triathlon series in the world, with more than 35 events held internationally as qualifiers for the World Championships. The Mandurah 70.3 is expected to attract about 1,500 competitors and thousands of visitors to the Peel region. Competitors will race over a 1.9km swim, a 90km cycle and a 21.1km run, incorporating Mandurah's beautiful waterways, foreshore, and city centre.
Mandurah To Host Australia's Premier Ironman 70.3 Event

Go Run in Queensland - Running News Australia

There are some excellent fun runs and half to full marathon races coming up in the next few months. Here is two great events you can participate in in the sunny state of Queensland.

Mackay Marina Run
When: 3 June 2012
Where: Mackay
Web: www.mackaymarinarun.com

The BMA Mackay Marina Run is the signature running event for the exciting and expanding city of Mackay. The event showcases the spectacular features of this tropical coastal city and celebrates the role that fun and fitness has in the community. While attracting running enthusiasts from around the country it also has a key focus of attracting first time competitors through the provision of a half marathon, an eight kilometre run, a five kilometre fun run, corporate challenge and three kilometre junior dash. There is also entertainment including traditional jazz and rock n roll to enhance the great feel to the event. What's more, significant funds are raised for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Gold Coast Airport Marathon (MAJOR EVENT)
When: 30 June - 1 July 2012
Where: Southport, Gold Coast
Web: www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon, a major Australian running event will feature a marathon, half marathon, 10 kilometre run, five kilometre challenge and junior dash races for the kids over four kilometres and two kilometres. More than 25,000 people from around the world are set to participate and enjoy the spectacular Gold Coast views and great atmosphere along the course. The event also includes a bumper ASICS Sport and Leisure Expo for running and fitness enthusiasts.

Join Community Running for the Fun of It

IT IS no surprise record numbers of people are signing up to compete in community running events such as The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon presented by Colonial First State.

The combination of healthy activity, a fun day out, personal challenge and, for many, the unique opportunity to run on city streets normally choked with traffic is a winning one, according to Olympic Games marathon hopeful Michael Shelley.

"Fun runs have become really popular in the last 20 years, I think because people see running as a relatively cheap way to get fit," he said. "With the pressure of the family budget, gyms often aren't a good option. All you need is a pair of shoes and sports clothes to go running. It's also flexible because you don't have to work around a class time, you just go out for a run when you can and according to how much time you've got."


Events such as the Half Marathon - only three weeks away on Sunday, May 20 - act as a goal for runners of all levels, Shelley, the race's special ambassador, said.

"There is definitely a buzz and camaraderie among the crowd," he said. "One of my favourites is [The Sun-Herald] City2Surf, not only because I have won it but because a number of my mates have come down from the Gold Coast and we've made a weekend of it. I also enjoy the London Marathon with the crowds and just the amazing feeling of running through the city and seeing these world-famous landmarks; it's a little bit surreal.

"The Half Marathon is a race like that. It attracts people who love the idea of running through the streets of Sydney, by the harbour. At the very least if you're finding the going a bit difficult, you can distract yourself by watching the scenery."

This weekend Shelley, 28, will be joined by his brother Mitchell and dad Jim at a Gold Coast fun run.
With 12,000 people already registered, entries are filling fast for the 2012 Half Marathon - enter now at smhhalfmarathon.com.au.

The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon presented by Colonial First State is sponsored by New Balance, Rebel Sport, Gatorade, Seiko, 2UE, Run 4 Your Life, 93.5FM, Sheraton on the Park Sydney, GU Energy Gel, East Sail and charity partner Breast Cancer Network Australia.

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Fitness Seekers Look for Function Over Fad

Fitness trends this year focus on a functional, holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Gym junkies are trying everything from Mixed Martial Arts training programs to ‘Battleropes’ to Russian military-style strength and conditioning tools. However, those looking for something new should beware of ineffective ‘fads’.

National Fitness Development Manager of Fitness First Australia, Martin Harasek, said: “Only fitness trends based on sound scientific foundations . . . that are fun, motivating and can be consistently incorporated into one’s every day routine . . . will survive in such a fast-paced and innovative industry.”

It is often difficult for first-timers to navigate through the plethora of information and services available to determine a suitable fitness regime.

Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sydney Medical School, Dr Hidde Van Der Ploeg, said: “Any physical activity with at least a moderate intensity is beneficial for your health . . . The best way for most people to engage long term in a physical activity is for it to be functional and enjoyable.”

A report by the World Health Organisation suggests that just 30 minutes per day improves overall health and reduces the chance of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

Founder of The Jungle Body, Tara Franzinelli developed the dance-based exercise in Western Australia because she saw a gap in the market.

The Jungle Body combines Latin and contemporary dance, hip-hop, boxing, pilates, 70s disco and football training to help participants burn around 600 calories per class.

“After working in America as a business consultant to a major gym, I realised Australian group fitness had become uninspiring, ineffective and well behind international standards,” Ms Franzinelli said.

Jungle Body first-timer Veronica Vella said while she wouldn’t abandon her gym membership but she could see the benefit in using the new workout to complement her routine.

“If you want to tone-up and have fun, [The Jungle Body] is really good,” she said. “I probably do enjoy this more because of the music and the moves.”

While The Jungle Body is sure to be a hit, Mr Harasek at Fitness First Australia said physical activity should be enjoyable and consistent.

“It is not critically important to follow trends in the fitness industry – the important part is to find activities [you] enjoy and can incorporate into a consistent routine,” he said.

(Source: City News, 18 January 2012)