35,000 runners raise $2 million for Victorian children's appeal

A record capacity field of 35,000 generous and enthusiastic weekend warriors participated in Victoria's biggest fun run on Sunday (24th March), the Herald Sun/CityLink Run for the Kids, raising an incredible $1,950,000 for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

Major sponsor, CityLink, generously donated an extra $50,000 to round the overall donation to $2million.

Celebrating its eighth anniversary, the Herald Sun/CityLink Run for the Kids has now raised over $8.5 million for the Appeal.

Among the 35,000 deep sea of colour on Melbourne streets was the world's oldest marathon runner, 101-year-old 'Turban Tornado' Fauja Singh and a host of celebrities including Olympians Catherine Freeman, Michelle Timms and Monette Russo and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and Bill Shorten, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.

Runners participating in the 15 kilometre super course had the unique opportunity to run through the Domain Tunnel and over the Bolte Bridge, as well as experiencing spectacular Melbourne landmarks such as the Crown Casino, Federation Square and Docklands Waterfront. Those completing the family-friendly 5.5km course enjoyed the scenic views of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance.

Herald Sun/CityLink Run for the Kids Chairman Tom Salom congratulated the record field on a fantastic day, stating "congratulations to each of the 35,000 runners who took part in a magnificent and successful event today.

"I am pleased to be able to announce that your extremely generous efforts has contributed to the largest donation in the eight year history of the event - $1.95million."

Head of Public Affairs for Transurban (CityLink's owner) John Rees increased the amount with a charitable surprise of an extra $50,000.

Rees stated "$1.95million is an incredible effort, but we would like to make the figure look that little bit more impressive, so Transurban will contribute an extra $50,000 to round the figure up to a total of $2million."

Executive Director of the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal Deborah Hallmark was impressed by the record figure, adding "the funds raised today will go to purchasing a state of the art simulation centre that will help medical staff to test new and/or delicate procedures in a training environment using the latest technology and ultimately improve the outcomes for young patients."

It was 21-year-old Duer Yoa who took a surprise win in an impressive elite field that included long distance Olympian's Jeffrey Hunt and Craig Mottram. He completed the 15 kilometre super course in 45min 11sec to take out one of the wins of his career.

2013 Herald Sun/CityLink Run for the Kids - Winners

Men's 15 km

1. Duer Yoa (Ballarat) 45:11

2. Jeffrey Hunt (Randwick) 45:14

3. Stephen Dineen (Fairfield) 46:47

Women's 15 km

1. Lisa Weightman (Northcote) 50:49

2. Karinna Fyfe (Aspendale Gardens) 54:02

3. Lauren Shelley (Perth) 54:06

Men's 5.5 km

1. Mitchell Dyer (Balwyn) 17:45

2. Matt Beayni (Templestowe) 17:47

3. Steven Bonfadini (Cranbourne) 18:11

Women's 5.5 km

1. Melissa Duncan (Upwey South) 18:29

2. Alice Baquie (Southbank) 19:25

3. Melissa Vandewater (Clifton Hill) 19:33