Combined more than $200,000 is expected to be raised – an enormous victory for the Ballarat Health Services.

Run Ballarat has become something of a phenomenon. There is nothing like this charity event that seems to unite Ballarat’s mums, dads, triathletes, walkers, children and ordinary people in such a way. Running has also boosted significantly  in Victoria in recent years. Roy Morgan research shows  recreation running has almost doubled in Western Victoria, including a boom in women who run up from 8.2 per cent to 19.4 per cent.

The countdown is on – 12 weeks out from the event more than 600 people have already signed up through the new early bird system. On Saturday, in cloudier and colder conditions than those expected in October, the beloved event was officially launched.

Run Australian manager Amy Bett said the new course would take participants on a sightseeing journey of Ballarat – allowing them to run under the Arch of Victory and down the famed Avenue of Honour for the first time. 

“It’s there for the mums, the grandparents, anyone can do it,” Ms Bett said.

Last year a late flurry of on-the-spot registrations, particularly for the Kids Run sections, boosted number to a record 5,775 which is expected to be surpassed this year. 

Last year’s event raised more than $162,000 for Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital children’s ward redevelopment, bring the total raised over the years to close to $700,000.

The ward treats 2,500 young patients each year and, after two decades of use, is in need of a much more modern upgrade.

This year's Run Ballarat ambassadors will again be Coghlan family – Gorgi, Simon and Molly-Rose – while the new national Run Australia ambassador is Carrie Bickmore.

Last year’s hit entertainment precinct will be boosted, with spas and other activities making the cut. Hit X-factor winner Cyrus will be the main entertainment.