The city will erupt with a cacophony of feet hitting pavement on October 22.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Run Ballarat has 4160 people already registered in 2017, with organisers promising the biggest year yet.
The event donates 100 per cent of entry fees to Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital children’s ward.
Run Australia chief executive officer Sam McGuane said more than $110,000 has been raised this year, taking the event’s total contribution to more than $1 million.
“Run Ballarat has been building since 2012,” he said.
“To return this year for our sixth event, with work starting at the children's ward, everything is coming together.
“We look forward to coming back to Ballarat each year, and the excitement is definitely there for this year to be our biggest yet.”
Construction on the $3.5 million redevelopment of the ward started this week, with Run Ballarat committed to funding half of the paediatric and adolescent ward works.
Plans for the new children’s ward will include space for short stay and high-observation.
BHS chief executive officer Dale Fraser said Run Ballarat was instrumental in funding the refurbishment.
“It’s been many years in preparation, building up the funds and waiting for planning approval so we could renovate the children’s ward,” he said.
“As a community, we should be really proud of our contribution to ensuring children can get top quality care locally.
“It’s going to mean that there’s no dislocation for kids undergoing medical treatment, where previously they’d have to go to the metro hospitals.
“Run Ballarat continues to be a fantastic opportunity to get some exercise and assist us in the care of ill children.”
Pleasant Street Primary School has more than 90 pupils participating on Sunday.
Year six student and house sports captain George Evans is competing in the 6km run.
He said he trained for Run Ballarat as part of preparations for the RACV Energy Breakthrough.
“I love running for the fun of it, I get lots of enjoyment out of it and it’s good to get some exercise and be healthy,” he said.
“I’m really excited to be involved this weekend because it goes to a good cause.”
Participants can sign up individually or in a team to run the 12-kilometre, run or walk the 6km course, with kids able to take on the popular 1km event.
The start and finish lines for all events are from the South Gardens in Ballarat Botanical Gardens.
Registrations will be accepted on the day.
The Courier will have live online coverage of Run Ballarat on Sunday.
Check out Monday’s edition for photo galleries and the full list of competitors.