Fun Run, Serious Message - Fathers Day 5 for prostate cancer research
Sydney, 2 September 2007 - 1,500 Sydneysiders and 1,000 Melbournians celebrated Fathers Day by participating in the Fathers Day 5 for prostate cancer research.
Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon. Tony Abbott, set the Sydney runners on their marks sounding the air-horn at 9:00am, whilst Graeme Johnson, National Chairman of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia simultaneously set the Melbourne runners off.
Performers along the course surprised the runners and walkers at different points - providing encouragement, colour and entertainment during the 5km journey.
This was the first year the Fathers Day 5 was staged in Melbourne - the beautiful Albert Park serving as the event venue with the 5km course passing around the glittering Albert Park Lake. Sydney participants ran through the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre, on the track at the Athletic Centre and then the course passed underground into Telstra Stadium - a very unique course that is now a favourite for families and fast becoming a Fathers Day tradition.
In Sydney, first across the line was James Matthews of Five Dock with Verity Tolhurst of Engadine breaking the tape placing first woman across the line. Robert Prosser from Camberwell won the Melbourne event for the men, with Maryanne Murray the first female across the line. Winners received a gift voucher from Brooks and a Vega Variety Pack.
Participants also enjoyed a performance from Dorothy the Dinosaur in perfect weather conditions for a family Fathers Day picnic.
The event supports the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. With almost 3,000 men dying of prostate cancer in Australia each year, the event strives to heighten awareness and raise funds for much needed research.
For race results and photos visit www.fathersday5.com.au.