Thousands will run for Kerryn

By Tim Keeble
Updated November 5 2012 - 8:31pm, first published April 29 2009 - 11:11am
Kerry McCann
Kerry McCann

Next month's Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon will be a tribute to the late Kerryn McCann.Organisers of the annual 21.1km race are billing the event as Running for Kerryn McCann and have permanently renamed the women's trophy the Kerryn McCann Trophy.Runners are being encouraged to donate to the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) to honour Kerryn's memory.The three-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games dual gold medallist from Coledale lost her battle with cancer in December.Kerryn won the SMH Half Marathon four times and husband Greg said the race would always hold special significance for the family, which includes children Benton, Josie and Cooper."It was one of her favourites," Greg said."She always enjoyed running in the Half Marathon and the City to Surf. They were good preparation for the marathon."The half marathon was actually her favourite form of running. "She set the national record for the half marathon in Tokyo just before the Sydney Olympics and it still stands today."Race director Michael Russell said Kerryn was an inspiration to runners from all walks of life."Kerryn's name is synonymous with the race and she epitomises what this event is all about - running hard, competing with determination and grit and finishing with a smile," Russell said.Last year's race attracted more than 7000 runners and organisers are hoping more will compete this year.Former Olympic and Commonwealth Games sprinter Raelene Boyle was a close friend of the McCann family and urged people to support the BCNA."I encourage everyone to register for this event or support someone who is running, and help make a real difference to the 13,000 Australians who will be told they they have breast cancer this year," Boyle said."I'm delighted Breast Cancer Network Australia is the chosen charity for the SMH Half Marathon. 'Running for Kerryn' is such a wonderful way for Australians to pay tribute to our brave champion."Runners can register at www.smh.com.au/halfmarathon for the May 17 race, which starts and finishes at Hyde Park.

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