Tackling the track- Gearing up for the Bendigo Bank Take on the Track Fun Run next weekend are

By Bridget Brady
GET off the couch and join in the excitement of Cranbourne’s first fun run.
Organisers of the inaugural Bendigo Bank Take on the Track Fun Run are hoping to combine fun and fitness to instil a healthy message to locals at next weekend’s fun run at the Cranbourne Racecourse.
And money raised from the event on 21 March will go directly back into Casey, with Cranbourne’s three community houses named as a few of the beneficiaries. Money will also be donated to the YMCA Open Doors Appeal and the Raise the Roof campaign.
Cranbourne resident and one of the organisers, Kevin Harris, said there were plenty of fast food options for people in Cranbourne, but not enough family events that encouraged health and fitness.
“Let’s face it, in today’s world we hear so many stories about diabetes and here is a chance to get amongst the people in a friendly atmosphere and have a great day,” Mr Harris said.
“The message is, let’s get a bit healthier.”
People of all ages are encouraged to take part in event, which will include a 10km and 5km run, and a 5km and 3km walk. Face painting, balloons, music and other entertainment will be on offer for children, and fresh fruit will also be provided.
Mr Harris said his dream would be to see about 500 people at the racecourse next Sunday and that the fun run would become an annual event.
Bendigo Bank is the major sponsor of the event, and Cranbourne’s branch manager Lauren Tuff said Cranbourne needed an event like the fun run.
YMCA’s Casey RACE is another sponsor, and dry program director Michael Casey said personal trainers at Casey RACE had been preparing training programs for people taking part in the fun run.
Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre manager Jan Gilchrist said she was pleased community houses would benefit from the family event.
“Any sort of support is fantastic because the government funding we receive is very limited,” Ms Gilchrist said.
Registration starts from 7.30am and the fun run begins at 9am.