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A half-marathon relay through Bendigo will honour the memory of a much-loved member of the city’s athletic community.
The Bendigo Bank Bendigo Fun Run, to be held on October 30, has introduced a 21.1-kilometre team event named after the late Tracy Wilson.
Mr Wilson died in April after a two-year battle with cancer.
Bendigo Health Foundation fundraising co-ordinator and event manager Tara Everist said the relay was a unique opportunity for athletes to take on a half marathon alongside teammates.
“We’re encouraging people to join up with three friends, family members or colleagues to make a team of four and complete the half marathon challenge,” she said.
“It’s a great way to get active and encourage each other while creating a true team spirit of training and running together.”
The four-person relay will commence at the same time as the half marathon.
Each member of the team will complete a circuit of the 5km course, while the first runner will also complete a loop around Lake Weeroona to make up the remaining distance.
A timing device worn on the ankle will be passed from one runner to the next as they pass through the changeover point in Pall Mall, keeping track of their team’s progress.
Participants receive a medal and free breakfast at the finish line.
The team relay will not be the first time the community has come together in Mr Wilson’s name.
In March this year, Bendigo sports clubs organised a “Walk for Willo” around Rosalind Park to raise money for his cancer treatment.
This year’s fun run will raise money to equip the new Bendigo Hospital with life-saving equipment.
Almost $8,000 has already been pledged.
But that total is expected to rise as the event nears, with last year’s run attracting more than $140,000 in donations.
Registrations for this year’s Bendigo Fun Run are now open.
To participate, visit www.bendigobankfunrun.com.au.