New Sydney running carnival combines events to raise funds for Parkinson’s NSW

Sydney-siders of all running abilities will be able to take part in a new carnival at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday 28th August when two flagship events, the Parkinson’s NSW Unity Run and Walk and the Greater Bank Sydney Half Marathon, are combined for the first time.

Unity Run and Walk is a run and walk and the major annual fundraiser for Parkinson’s NSW. The Greater Bank Sydney Half is one of the marquee events in the RunNSW Fun Run series calendar.

The half marathon will require three 7 kilometre loops of Sydney Olympic Park. The first 7 kilometre lap doubles as the Greater Bank Fun Run. There will also be a 4 kilometre Unity Run and a 4 kilometre Unity Walk.

Last year’s Greater Bank Sydney Half winner and Rio bound Olympic marathon competitor Scott Westcott, who will compete in the race one week after competing in the Rio Olympic Marathon, said the run is a sensational mix of flat and slightly undulating terrain.

Looking forward to the event, Westcott stated “the three lap circuit is also a terrific way to run a half marathon, particularly with the fun runners completing the first lap with the half marathoners.”

Athletics NSW Chief Executive Duncan Tweed said it made sense for them to partner with Parkinson’s NSW and combine the events.

Tweed explained “we can assist Parkinson’s NSW with the delivery of their event maximise the profits going back to help people with Parkinson’s.

“The addition of a half marathon gives both recreational runner and the Parkinson’s fundraiser the chance to stretch their endurance.”

Parkinson’s NSW Chief Executive Miriam Dixon added “we are excited about working on this event with Athletics NSW, all our existing events have been maintained with only the 8km fun run reduced back to 7 kilometre, but I doubt that many runners will complain.”

Now in its ninth year, all profits from the popular Parkinson’s NSW Unity Walk & Run go directly to helping people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers and funding research into a cure.

For more information go to www.sydneyhalf.com.au or www.unitywalkandrun.com.au

23rd July 2013 - ARTHUR TUNSTALL STEPS DOWN AS AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH GAMES ASSOCIATION NSW DIVISION LEADER

16th June 2013 - DISABILITY CHARITY SEEKS DONATIONS OF OLD/UNWANTED GYM EQUIPMENT