Half marathon returns to Geelong

Geelong Cross Country Club's Frank Engelsman, Julie Elkin, Kevin McNulty and Alan Jenkins on a training run at the Barwon River. (Ivan Kemp) 328656_03

The Geelong Half Marathon is back for another year to help raise money for the Geelong University Hospital’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre.

Geelong Cross Country Club will host the half marathon and the included five-kilometre run this Sunday, April 16, along Belmont’s Barwon River.

Senior vice president Kevin McNulty said the not-for-profit club said he expected close to 700 runners to attend the event and help fundraise for the Andrew Love Cancer Centre.

“We’ve been proud to be able to put some money back into the community and donate,” he said.

“We’ve been able to purchase a chair and a little workstation for the nurses and a couple of other things over the last several years.”

Mr McNulty said he looked forward to the “buzz, atmosphere, excitement and anticipation” provided by the event.

“My favourite part of the event would be getting to the day and having everybody turn up,” he said.

“People inspire one another. They lift one another and get motivated seeing others enjoying themselves and pushing themselves.

“We like to encourage anyone who wants to get out there and put their shoes on and have a go.”

Mr McNulty said the half marathon was tailored more towards experienced athletes, but anyone who wanted to participate could accomplish the five-kilometre run.

“A good runner who has put a bit of training in would be able to manage it and we’ve always called our event the achievable challenge,” he said.

The Geelong Half Marathon will begin at 7.30am at the Belmont Park Pavilion at 162 Barrabool Road under the James Harrison Bridge.