Kids, parents and even pets will make up the thousands of participants to walk, ride and run for cancer research next weekend.
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This year the Reach4Research Ballarat Cycle Classic is celebrating a special milestone, a decade of raising funds for Ballarat’s Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.
Director George Kannourakis said he was thrilled with the continued community support.
“The Cycle Classic is a tremendous example of how the support of individuals and local businesses can create enormous impact,” he said. “The institute receives no government funding and relies on community support.”
The event has transformed itself into a vibrant weekend filled with kid-friendly activities, live music and food stalls.
It all starts with a twilight screening of Finding Dory by the lake next Saturday.
Road and mountain bike rides will follow on the Sunday, along with a family lake bike relay, and a pet-friendly lake walk and run for those who prefer not to cycle.
Emergency nurse Darren Hart has taken on the 100km road race, having seen first hand the impacts of cancer within the community through his work.
“Whatever I can do to raise money for it (cancer research) is a good thing,” he said.
“I’ve ridden 100km before and I’ve done the Ironman legs so I should be able to manage – I know I’ll get there but whether or not it is express is another story.”
He said he was hoping for a cool day with no wind, especially with the Mount Egerton hill – what he described as the hardest part of the track.
“It is a good, challenging course and with the entry money going towards supporting cancer research, it hits two birds with one stone,” he said.
And it was not only the adults up for the challenge.
Winnie Clare said she was most excited about riding a new bicycle she received for her birthday, which is her favourite colour – pink.
While Jack Cleary was looking forward to doing a lap of the lake with his mother, father and brother.
“I like sport, especially cross country, so I’m going to run… and beat mum,” he said.
The Cycle Classic takes place next weekend on Saturday, February 18, and Sunday, February 19.
For more information or to register visit www.reach4research.com.au.
