More than 500 employees and their families have signed up for the October 19 event to raise funds to complete the Illawarra Children’s Assessment Unit and start the redevelopment of Wollongong Hospital’s children’s ward.

Illawarra Coal president Troy McDonald urged other Illawarra businesses and residents to get behind the event.

‘‘Competing in Run Wollongong is a great way to encourage our employees to pursue and maintain a healthy lifestyle as well as supporting our local community,’’ he said.

 So far more than 1800 people have registered for the Wollongong event and almost $74,000  raised.