24 Hour Treadmill Challenge raises $190,000: and still counting

The recent Very Special Kids 24 hour Treadmill Challenge has been a huge success, with presenting partners The Fitness Generation (TFG) and Fenix Fitness Clubs thanking all who participated.

From the opening run which started the the fundraiser for the Very Special Kids Piggy Bank Appeal, with special guests arriving in the world's biggest pink Hummer, the event witnessed a remarkable turnout of people.

TFG National Marketing & Communications Manager Andrew Cocks explains that that runners arrived "dressed in traditional running gear as expected but then there was the unexpected (with) pretty ballerinas - and not so pretty ballerinas - Pink Pigs; Mexicans complete with hot chillies, tacos and sombreros; Batman and the Gingerbread Man to mention just a few.

"In addition there were some special guests who joined us in the challenge Cameron Ling and Daniel Jackson from Richmond AFL club, cast members from Winners & Losers, swimmer Matt Welsh, Coxy and Sherrie Lee Biggs from Coxy's Big Break and teams from the Amazing Race.

"(In addition) Channel Seven Weekend Sunrise did four live weather crosses for the show on Saturday morning.

Held over 24 hours from 12 noon on Friday 31st August through to 12 noon on Saturday 1st September, the 24 Hour Treadmill Challenge was part of the 15th annual Very Special Kids Piggy Bank Appeal.

The Appeal aims to raise $1 million for Very Special Kids to help support ithe charity's work with families throughout their experience of caring for children with life threatening illnesses, from diagnosis through to recovery or bereavement.

With the backing of TFG and Fenix Fitness Clubs, the Challenge saw participants run, jog and walk on treadmills in a purpose built marquee, complete with giant screens, jukebox and DJ sets, on the grounds of Very Special Kids' offices and hospice in the Melbourne suburb of Malvern.

Congratulations to the following winners:

Most kilometres run

Male: Kevin Dixon of Essendon Football Club with 8.3km in 30 minutes
Female: Emily Alexander, Bar Manager at Matthew Flinders Hotel with 6.67km in 30 minutes
A special mention must go to Emma Bellengar from the Wheelers Hill Hotel who ran as 'hot chilly' and achieved the second fastest female time.

Highest Fundraiser Awards

Individual Kellie Jholl Skyways Hotel - $4,988.15
Team ALH Group Team Sabina - $23,000.00

In addition to presenting partners The Fitness Generation and Fenix Fitness Clubs, the event was backed by ALH Group, Bupa, Commonwealth Bank, Essendon Football Club, Toyota and ASG.

For more information or to contribute to the fundraising go to www.everydayhero.com.au/the_fitness_generation__fenix_fitness_clubs