Fun run on the cards

By Bridget Cook
WITH the popular MRA Cranbourne GP Run just around the corner, families are encouraged to mark Saturday 15 October in their calendars for a fun day out.
The event will offer something for everyone with a range of entertainment and activities planned.
City of Casey Mayor Shar Balmes is encouraging families to head to the Cranbourne town centre early.
“The MRA Cranbourne GP Run is well regarded as a superb event for motorbike enthusiasts, but it also offers a fun, family-friendly day out for families,” she said.
“With plenty of activities to keep children entertained, not to mention the celebrity wave-off and all the excitement and anticipation as thousands of motorcyclists get ready to travel en-masse to Phillip Island, the MRA Cranbourne GP Run is definitely an event to be seen and heard first-hand.”
From 8.15am, there will be plenty of entertainment to keep the whole family amused with a variety of children’s activities, food stalls and entertainment.
At 10 am, the pace picks up for the highlight of the day when dual Olympic gold medallist Kieren Perkins will wave-off thousands of gathered motorcyclists for their journey from Cranbourne to the Grand Prix track at Phillip Island.
Clydesdale Square will feature a Kids’ Zone with children’s activities continuing until noon, giving families something to do after the excitement of the wave off.
Free activities at the Kids’ Zone will include mini golf, merry-go-round, Melbourne Football Club activities, balloonist roving through the event site, creative face painting, open African drumming circle and interactive Australian native animal show.
This year, the MRA Cranbourne GP Run will also include a Classic Car and Hot Rod display in the Lyall Street car park, with face painting and the council’s Casey 360 Youth Bus.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation is the charity partner for the event, with all funds raised on the day going towards programs, which lift the spirits of seriously ill children. At the event, the Starlight Children’s Foundation will staff a marquee in Childers Street to promote and fundraise for its programs. Members of the community will be able to contribute a gold coin donation at the free rides and activities at the event.
For details, contact City of Casey Customer Service on 9705 5200 or visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/gprun.