Fun Run Challenges

Take up the challenge now and raise funds to help our smallest patients in the ‘Sanctuary for kid’s’ appeal for the Special Care Baby Unit at Bendigo Health.

There are a number of exciting challenges planned for the day - download a PDF with details about each challenge by clicking on the links below::

• Emergency Services Challenge
• Bendigo Health Foundation Corporate Cup
• Gym Challenge 
• Primary School Competition 

Age & Prize Categories

Age Categories

The following age categories for males and females will be recognised as part of the event:

U16, 16-30, 31-45, 46 - 60, 61+

Prize Categories

Race Day - Event Information

Car Parking

Car parking is limited in the immediate area surrounding the event. It is strongly recommended to car pool, get a ride or walk to the event.

Storage facilities

There are no storage facilities on site, so please don’t bring valuables to the run. You will need to make arrangements to store you own personal items.

Toilets

Toilets are located at the Rosiland Park side of the Chinese Museum, including a disabled access toilet, and also at the Tom Flood Centre.

Timing Chip 

Please remember TO bring your race bib to the event as we cannot guarantee a replacement.  Your race bib has your timing chip already attached to it will only activate when you pass through the starting line. Your timing finishes the moment you pass through the finish line. Please do not bend or fold your timing chip on your bib as it will null and void any results. Your timing chip does not need to be returned so you are welcome to keep your bib after the race. You will need to be wearing your bib to redeem the continental breakfast.

Start Area

Chapel St, Bendigo

Finish Area

Rosiland Park side of the Chinese Precinct

Marathon-Photos.com are the official photographers of the ‘Bendigo Bank Fun Run’

Marathon-Photos.com photographs distance and endurance events around the world, with images displayed on the internet for viewing and ordering.  Athletes will have the opportunity to purchase event photos from Marathon-Photos.com as well as download their FREE Finishers Certificate file from the same site.  To make sure you are captured in the Bendigo Bank Fun Run 2011 race make sure your bib number is clearly visible – and always remember to smile!

Assembly Area

This is located at the forecourt of the Chinese Precinct.  Please arrive at the assembly area at least 30 mins before your event.

Breakfast  

Breakfast sponsored by McKern Steel.  A continental breakfast is included in your entry fee and bacon and egg sandwiches will be for sale from the Bendigo Lions club at the precinct for $4. A coffee van is available for the purchase of hot drinks.

Drinks   

Drink stations sponsored by Officeworks.

There are two drink stations situated around the course, one at the Tom Flood Centre and one at the Nolan Street car park. Water taps to fill up drink bottles will be located in the Chinese precinct on the Coliban Water trailer.

Starting line order/running with prams

The running order for the day is listed below with the times of each run. If you are a slower runner or running with a pram, please position yourself towards the back. If you are a competitive runner you are welcome to position yourself towards the front, but note the timing chip is not activated until you pass through the starting line.

Running Sheet: Subject to change

• 7:30am - Registration and bib collection
• 8:00am - Welcome and opening of the event
• 8:10am - Group warm up
• 8:50am - 5km run / walk
• 9:10am - 10km run
• 11:00am - Presentations

Breakfast

You will be provided with breakfast tokens in your show bag that you will need to present on the day of the event to redeem your breakfast.

Prams/Strollers

Allowed

Pets

No pets are allowed to participate in the event for health and safety reasons.

First aid

First aid will be provided by St John Ambulance on the course and in the Chinese precinct.

Course Hazards

Bikes, Skateboards, Roller blades or scooters are not permitted on the course as they are deemed hazardous to fellow participants.

Festivites

We enourage and welcome all particpants and their families to join us in the finishing precinct to welcome other runners and walkers over the line, listen to our MC and entertainment and enjoy the trade stalls and healthy breakfast on offer. There will be food and drink vendors available also.

Results

Results will be printed in The Bendigo Advertiser newspaper on Wednesday 2nd of November.  Results will also be available on the Bendigo Health Foundation website after this time.

Show bags

Show bags are available for collection on completion of run or walk.

On offer for participants of the 2011 Fun Run are:

• The opportunity to run and walk with local community supporters Bryce and Maree Selwood
• Sunscreen tent
• Group warm up
• Showbags and caps for the first 2000 participants
• Prizes for races winners
• Prizes for most funds raised
• Bendigo Health Foundation Corporate Cup
• Primary School Challenge Cup
• Emergency Services Cup
• Spot prizes - Best costume & Random race bib number draw (presented by Bendigo Bank)
• Trade stalls
• First aid
• Healthy breakfast upon completion of course
• Entertainment, including the Chinese Dragon, dancers, jazz  bands and many more
• Enjoy the ‘carnival’ feel of the event with stalls from associated organisations and health promoters
• Walk with local sponsor mascots including Bennie and Hellie, Piggy, Kooka and 3BO Rover

Helpful tips to ensure your Fun Run runs smoothly

The following is merely a guide, as each individual's training needs differ.  Please contact your doctor before engaging in any extensive exercise program.

How can I avoid dehydration?

Rain, hail or shine the Bendigo Bank Fun Run will go on, as will dehydration!  Hydration is an important part of any type of exercise that you engage in.  It is something people generally overlook and by the time you feel thirsty your body is already suffering from the onset of dehydration.

Make sure you drink plenty of water and top up on electrolytes (sports drinks) in the days leading up to the event as this will assist your performance.  Avoid alcohol the day before or dairy-based drinks on the day of the event.

What should I eat the night before?

For those of you tackling the runs you will need to ensure you top up on carbohydrates the night before the event.  Foods such as rice, pasta and potatoes are an excellent source of carbs.  Try to avoid heavy foods such as steaks and fried food!

Walkers should also aim to eat a light meal but need not load up on carbohydrates.

What should I wear?

Make sure you are wearing clothing you are comfortable in for sports activities.

Footwear

As nice as it is to have brand new pair of shoes on the day it is vital you have 'run' them in so as to avoid any discomfort during your event.

Pre-event warm up

For the event there will be a warm up from Fit Republic fitness instructors.  Warm up is an important part of letting your body know that you are about to engage in exercise and helps prevent injuries and some soreness.  The warm up will be held in the assembly area and will commence at 8.20am.

Volunteering - Can you lend a hand?

As a member of the Bendigo Health Foundation support crew you have the opportunity to enjoy the fun and the experience of the Bendigo Bank Fun Run.

Refreshments and breakfast are provided on the day of the event, some volunteer positions will require a volunteer t-shirt that will be provided.

The volunteer positions available are:

• Course marshalls
• Mascot helpers
• Drink station attendants
• Registration desk helpers
• Cloak room volunteers
• Breakfast volunteers/cooks
• Raffle volunteers
• Set up/pack down volunteers
• Light truck drivers
• Information officer
• Showbag distribution
• Medal distribution

Downloads

• Bendigo Bank Fun Run 2011 Marshal Volunteers
• Bendigo Bank Fun Run 2011 volunteer positions

If you wish to volunteer at the event or would like further information please phone 5454 9174 or email your first name, surname and contact details to bhfoundation@bendigohealth.org.au