Set the pace for charity with the Manly Fun Run and Walk
The Manly Fun Run & Walk is a favourite event on the community calendar for many participants and is set to return to the Beaches. Not only is it fun, with three events suited to all ages and skill-levels, but the money raised from the day go to the Rotary Club of Manly who ensure that proceeds go to local charitable causes, helping them to improve their facilities and deliver better services to those who need them most.
Rotarian Robert van Geest is one of the team members helping to organise the event this year, and says the fun run, which first debuted in 2010, is a day that people love returning to. “It’s truly a community event – getting people together to raise funds for charities,” Robert says. In fact, it has raised more than $2.25 million since it first began, with $68,000 going to charity last year alone.
“Rotary is behind it, which means it is run by volunteers, so the costs we have are very low. The money that comes in from the registrations, sponsors and donations is benefiting the community and all going back to charity,” Robert explains.
There are three courses to choose from. The day starts with the 10km runners’ challenge, which takes on the Manly Beachfront, ICMS, North Head and the Manly Q Station before finishing in front of the Steyne Hotel. For those looking for something a little shorter, there’s the 5km route which includes a couple of short hill climbs to get the heart pumping.
The 2km route is a little more challenging this year, with a short steep hill, but there will be a bonus option for the children as they can enjoy an obstacle course on the sand thanks to the Manly Surf Lifesaving Nippers.
Robert says there will be a festival feel at the finish line, with event sponsors and charities like the SES available for a chat, plus activities for the children. Runners can also enjoy some music, as organisers are planning a DJ and buskers to provide a few tunes.
Manly Rotary are hoping for 2,500 registrations this year. “It’s a nice day out for families,” Robert says. “They can make a day of it in Manly as we finish in the Corso, so people can get a coffee afterwards and sponsor the community in that way as well.”
Manly Fun Run & Walk
19 April
Steyne Hotel, Manly
See website for registration and start times