GALLERY: Run Wollongong raises $100,000

More than 2500 people took part in the event, which included a 6km family walk as well as 6km and 12km competitive runs, while large crowds cheered them on.

Staff from the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District were among the participants, keen to help raise money for an Illawarra Children’s Assessment Unit and the refurbishment of Wollongong Hospital’s children’s ward.

Director of Paediatrics and Run Wollongong participant  Susie Piper said she was overwhelmed by the community support in the first year of the event.

‘‘It was so exciting so see all the local people and businesses supporting local health services,’’ Dr Piper said.

‘‘It’s been a fantastic community event, which we hope to build on each year with the aim being to raise $1.8 million over the next five years.

‘‘This will enable the region to have the highest quality local pediatric services that will work in a great partnership with Sydney Children’s Hospital.’’

Run Wollongong’s ambassadors this year were Gerroa surfer Sally Fitzgibbons, former rugby league player Wendell Sailor and 10-year-old Clara Bates, who was treated at Wollongong Hospital and Sydney hospitals for severe asphyxiation as a newborn.

Ms Fitzgibbons took part in the 12km run before lending encouragement to others at the finishing line.

‘‘Everyone was so positive, there was so much energy and it felt great to be taking part,’’ she said.

‘‘Every time I exercise I get so many positive endorphins and so I love to promote events like this.

‘‘Plus the fact the funds raised are going straight to help kids, so it’s very rewarding to take part.’’

Mr Sailor, his wife Tara and 10-year-old daughter Matisse took part in the 6km family walk.

‘‘When you go to the children’s ward and see the young patients there, it hurts – you just wish you could take their place,’’ he said.

‘‘Knowing that all the money that is raised at this event is going straight to kids in need is just fantastic.’’

The Cotton On Foundation has implemented four fun runs across the country under the Run Australia banner, and Run Wollongong is the first to be held outside Victoria.

Cotton On Foundation managing director Tim Diamond said the organisation started Run Geelong in 2009 and now in its fifth year, that event has raised more than $1.2million for a new children’s ward.

Runs in Ballarat and now Wollongong have been successful, and Run Newcastle will be held next month.

‘‘Run Wollongong has been an outstanding event, the atmosphere has been electric and everyone is so passionate about the cause,’’ Mr Diamond said.

‘‘More than 2500 people took part, which compares to the 2200 who took part in the first year of Run Geelong.

‘‘Judging by this first year I imagine it will grow into a major community event.’’