There were plenty of four-legged friends poised to help their owners - all staff at PETStock - in preparation for the Run for a Cause challenge next month.
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Employees at the head office in Lydiard Street took a moment with their pets on Friday to gather their breath ahead of their daily 'hot lap' - a company wellbeing initative - around the blocks near to the office.
Many of them are gearing up to take part in Ballarat's Run for a Cause.
This year, they will have the chance to take their animals with them on the run, with the 5km event now also open to dogs and sponsored by the company.
Sarah Madin, who works in the accounts department, told The Courier that she would like to bring her border collie Ralph along with her.
From a corporate point of view, it's an easy way to get some team spirit, support the community of have a bit of fun at the same time
- Dion Collard, PETStock
She hoped her pet would help get her round the five-kilometre course, which wends its way around Victoria Park and alongside Lake Wendouree. "It's a good cause. He's quick - I will have to try and catch up with him," she said.
Around 25 PETStock staff have signed up to take part in the corporate challenge in a variety of different distances.
PETStock marketing manager Dion Collard said he would be taking part in the five kilometres with his two sons and their two dogs.
He said: "We have loved being involved in events around Ballarat and supporting the community. It's a great event and it's a great cause. There are events for everyone.
"From a corporate point of view, it's an easy way to get some team spirit, support the community of have a bit of fun at the same time."
The series of races, which includes the five-kilometre run, a 10-kilometre version and the popular one-kilometre Kids Dash, is organised by the Ballarat Foundation.
There will also be a half-marathon this year, the first fun run of that length to take place in Ballarat almost a decade.
Funds raised this year will support childhood development charities and community groups, including Ballarat Reads, Playgroup Victoria, Eureka Mums, Ballarat Toy Library and Eureka Community Kindergarten Association.
The events will be run from a festival precinct in Victoria Park and, with the exception of the dash, will run through the park and by Lake Wendouree. The half-marathon will include two laps of Lake Wendouree.
- Run for a Cause takes place on November 17. For full details and to sign up for the corporate challenge, see run4ac.org.
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