LOGISTICS were a little more difficult moving as one under pandemic restrictions for the company known for team hot laps and squat o'clocks, but PETstock workers have still found ways to try and keep moving through the work day with their pet family members.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The company is ready to keep stepping up and lead efforts for their longstanding annual pet-friendly family at Ballarat Cycle Classic on February 21.
"Hot laps were probably a little more ad hoc last year. People working from home were taking time mid-morning to take their pets for a walk around the block or just spending a little time outside," PETstock marketing manager Dion Collard said.
"Those who have been in the office have still been doing hot laps - I think it's ingrained.
"It was such a different year last year and probably now is the time to have a bit more fun and get involved out and about for a terrific cause."
It was such a different year last year and probably now is the time to have a bit more fun and get involved out and about for a terrific cause.
- Dion Collard, PETstock
Ballarat Cycle Classic is the key fundraiser for the city's homegrown Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.
The Classic was one of the last major community events before lockdowns last year, raising more than $300,000 to fully launch FECRI's breast cancer research program.
It will return with new long-distance running events, a half-marathon and 16-kilometre run taking in Lake Wendouree, Bakery Hill and a return along Sturt Street with the Arch of Victory.
PETstock has a volunteer run club and Mr Collard said there were plenty of team members keen to get moving on the new run courses.
"It's part of the PETstock culture and make-up - to have fun and be healthy with our pets and without them in some of the longer runs," Mr Collard said.
"We'll have a lot of participants with their pets in the six-kilometre walk as well."
IN OTHER NEWS
Ballarat Regional Athletic Centre has teamed with Ballarat Cycle Classic to assist with the run logistics and volunteer support. BRAC vice-president Rod Griffin said the new events gave runners something to look forward to and train towards.
Meanwhile, the inaugural Lighthouse Classic in January raised more than $60,000 for FECRI. Former Ballarat resident Janet Jones, who now lives in Anglesea, challenged people to walk to a lighthouse last month raising money as a beacon of hope.
More than 780 people walk or ran to lighthouses across Victoria, most taking Ms Jones' suggested route along the Surf Coast Trail from Urquhart Bluff to Airey's Inlet and back.
Ms Jones is a three-time cancer survivor.
Ballarat Cycle Classic will also feature road rides and mountain biking events. To register: ballaratcycleclassic.com.au.