By Danielle Kutchel
The gym will be participating in a national Anytime Fitness 24 hour treadmill challenge at the end of the month to raise funds for R U OK, an organisation which aims to increase human connections to reduce instances of suicide.
Starting at 3pm on the 31st of May, gym members and non-members can jump on a treadmill at Anytime Fitness Cranbourne and run for the cause.
“It’s a big event for members and the local community,” said Anytime Fitness Cranbourne manager Jason Maurice, “anybody who knows someone who has been affected by mental health knows how serious it is. This gives us a chance to raise as much awareness as possible.”
“One of ym good mates who I played footy with unfortunately did lose his life due to this so its something pretty close to myself as well.”
Keen runners are asked to register for the challenge and book a spot via www.anytimefitness.com.au/treadmillevent. They can also use the site to create a fundraising page.
The challenge lends itself to some interesting fundraising ideas, Mr Maurice explained.
“One member is going to set up his page and share and say for every dollar that gets donated he will run one minute. If his friends and family donate $200, he will run for 200 minutes!”
Mr Maurice said the challenge has been designed with every level of fitness in mind.
“You can walk, jog, sprint or run – it’s completely up to the person. It’s all about raising awareness and getting the word out there.”
The challenge will end at 3pm on 1st June. Mr Maurice said community members are welcome to book a time at any point over the 24 hours.
Last year, the club raised $500, and this year they are hoping to smash that and hit at least $700.
“Our goal is to create awareness in the local Cranbourne community, get them involved and active, and raise as much awareness as possible for a very serious illness.”
