Connor’s Run 2015 Recap


Our 3rd Connor’s Run sold out 2500 spots in just 6 weeks. In doing so you helped us keep Connor’s spirit shining bright (with some welcome assistance again this year from the sun…and maybe Connor!) by raising an awesome $400,000. This established Connor’s Run for the second year in a row as the largest single event by participation and money raised for paediatric and young adult brain cancer in Australia. Thank you!

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The idea behind Connor’s Run is ‘more fun than run’. Our participants are entertained through the 18.8km course, along Melbourne’s bay & beaches, down Southbank and into Peppercorn Lawn, next to the boatsheds along the Yarra River. This year we had cheerleaders, bands, Melbourne Rebels, bubbles, encouragement pavement stickers, hug bears and balloons not to mention a very popular Bachie at our Start 2 in Catani Gardens. At Start 1 over 1100 joined in singing Happy Birthday to Australia’s cricket legend, Shane Warne.

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People were participating for a variety of reasons but perhaps none more special than that of 17 year old Harry Dunn. Harry finished an impressive 12th overall in last year’s Connor’s Run only to be diagnosed with his own brain tumour in January of this year. Expected to make a full recovery Harry has been supported in this year’s event with nearly 90 “Harry’s Heroes”, who, as a team, raised close to $20,000!

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The logistics behind organising an event this size, over nearly 20 km, through three Council districts is nothing short of massive. Our committee of 15 worked tirelessly in the lead up. We have worked to have our Finish Area have lots of activities to keep everyone involved. In addition to a great BBQ, massage area, band and DJ we had Rowing Australia sponsor an ergo challenge and World Rubik’s Champion, Feliks Zemdegs showing off his considerable talent.

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This year we added a Corporate Challenge component to Connor’s Run. Seventeen companies agreed to fundraise $5000 as a company team of 4-10 individuals. Our goal of $100,000 was easily surpassed as the first 10 teams alone raised over that amount. These companies helped us achieve our fundraising target while keeping Connor’s Run the young, youth filled event it has become.

Our VIF (Very Important Fundraiser) area felt just the right kind of special. Entrants had to have FUN(d)raised over $1000 for entry. They were treated to a delicious array of healthy, post exercise drinks & nibbles, along with their own massage area and the opportunity to mingle with our Ambassadors and other special guests.

For the first time we had both Channel 7 and 9 covering Connor’s Run which significantly helps with raising awareness for paediatric brain cancer.

Against a beautiful Melbourne skyline, there was warmth in the air and in people’s hearts. Coming together to make a significant contribution against Australia’s largest cancer killer of anyone under the age of 39, while celebrating Connor, felt good. Collectively we are helping show the world “The Brain is where the Heart lives”.

Next year’s Connor’s Run will be Sunday 11 September. Tickets will go on sale in mid April.

For event photos:

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