What was known as Run Ballarat will be back on a new charity mission as Run for a Cause with a new event model in November.

The Ballarat Foundation chief executive officer Matt Jenkins the foundation was aware it was a little late to the start line in getting the event up and running this year.

While there would be challenges, Mr Jenkins said the foundation was assembling a great team to ensure participants still had a first-class experience.

And it was about saving what Run Ballarat did so well.

“Run Ballarat was such a great example of community spirit and generosity. Our hope is to recapture the essence of community giving and the sense of making a difference, and build on it further with Run for a Cause,” Mr Jenkins said. 

”This is an event for the entire community to come together on a large scale and contribute to serious local issues in a fun and active way.”

Run for a Cause will raise awareness and funds for critical social issues in the region. The inaugural event will focus on food security.

Entry fees will still be 100 per cent for charity, including half to cover The Ballarat Foundation’s event costs and ensure the event’s ongoing viability. This year, 25 per cent  of registration fees will go to the Feed Ballarat Appeal and 25 per cent to individual participant’s choice in a food security charity partner.

CottonOn Group announced in May that Run Ballarat had reached its finish line.

Run Ballarat raised more than $1 million. CottonOn and event partner Adroit Insurance delivered on its pledge to fund half the $3.5 million Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital children’s ward redevelopment, which opened last month.

Mr Jenkins said while Run for a Cause would be in the spirit of Run Ballarat, it was important the event would not be an exact replica.

“The team at CottonOn and Adroit have been extremely generous in sharing the lessons they have learnt over the last six years and we are greatly appreciative and respectful of the contribution they have made, but it is critical that this event builds its own identity,” Mr Jenkins said.

 “...Our role is to connect people who possess a passion for our community with the people who need the greatest help. We felt Run for a Cause was a fun, engaging way to do so.”

RUN FOR A CAUSE

DATE

Sunday, November 18. The event has been pushed back a month in a bid for warmer weather.

EVENTS

10km and 5km runs, which are slightly shorter. The family walk and a children’s run will return with the introduction of a seniors shuffle.

2018 CAUSE

Food security in the region.

COURSE

Start and finish events precinct in Victoria Park. Stay tuned for full course details to come. There will be a strong Ballarat feel about the course with more community groups and local volunteers to cheer you on.

RUN EXPERTISE

Hometown Olympic marathon hero Steve Moneghetti and fellow marathon runner Julian Spence (The Running Company Ballarat) have joined the organising committee and will be running ambassadors.

EVENT PARTNERS

The Ballarat Foundation is in discussions with regional business partners, including a presenting partner, but is open to speaking to any business interested in getting involved.

CALL-OUT

Charities working in food security and potential community event ambassadors – Run for a Cause wants to hear from you.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Visit www.run4ac.org to register interest. Registrations open early September.