THE 2008 HERALD SUN/CITYLINK RUN FOR THE KIDS

Runners raise $738,941 for the kids

A record 27,498 enthusiastic and generous runners participated in Victoria's biggest fun run today, the Herald Sun/City Link Run for the Kids, raising an incredible $738,941 for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

This year's cheque topped last year's effort by more than $200,000, where an astonishing $536,369 was raised for the Appeal.

In their last hit out before heading to Japan in search of Olympic A-qualifying times, Beijing marathon hopefuls Brett Cartwright (42.34) and Kate Smyth (49.36) took out the men's and women's races in impressive fashion.

Cartwright, an accountant from Canberra, finished ahead of Ethiopian-born, Canberra-based, Gemechu Woyecha (42.47), and world championships marathon representative, Scott Westcott (43.14).

"I wanted a good hit out this week before Nagano and a friend of mine suggested I did this race," Cartwright said.

"The course was tough. It was a bit breezy out there but it was a nice course."

Smyth crossed the line in front of fellow Commonwealth Games representative Lauren Shelley (49.50) and Susan Michelsson (51.13).

"I really wanted to win today and have a good hit out before Nagano. I enjoyed the start, then I really felt the climb up the hill. The second half went really quickly. Perfect conditions," said Smyth.

The improved 14.14km and 5.76km courses gave runners the rare opportunity to run on Melbourne's inner-city streets, through the Domain Tunnel, along the usually hectic Westgate Freeway, over the Bolte Bridge – featuring spectacular views of the city skyline – and along the waterfront at Docklands.

Herald and Weekly Times managing director, Peter Blunden, said he was delighted by the amount of money raised.

"This year we have exceeded our expectations. With a record 27,498 entries we were able to raise an extraordinary amount for a wonderful cause.

"The money will assist so many children and will contribute to buying much needed equipment and facilitate valuable research."

"I'd like to thank everyone for participating today and, given the support of the community, this event will only continue to get bigger and better in the future."

Celebrities including, Olympic swimmer Michael Klim, Neighbours star Brett Tucker, Mix 101.1 team Brigitte Duclos and George McEncroe, and former jockey Simon Marshall also pounded the pavement around the stunning course to ‘run for the kids'.

Race director Steve Moneghetti was delighted with the number of participants supporting such a great cause.

"Victoria is the sporting and events capital of Australia and it's great to see so many people, not just watching sport, but getting out there and participating and exercising."

"Today has really reminded me of what a fantastic event we have developed in just three years. I'm so proud to be a Race Director of an event which has raised so much money for the Royal Children's Hospital."