A record number of Austin Health and ONJ Centre runners became heroes for their hospital on Sunday, participating in Run Melbourne and raising $60,000 for the hospital.
Run Melbourne is one of the biggest charity events on the calendar attracting more than 20,000 runners taking on 5km, 10km or the half marathon (21km). Austin Health had a record 200 staff, patients and families running and fundraising for the hospital, double the 100 runners we had last year.
Many runners made the most of the opportunity to raise funds for their own ward or department, and so far have raised $22,478 for Austin Health and $39,763 for the ONJ Centre. We are very grateful for the effort put in by all of our runners and their commitment to making a difference and raising money for their hospital.
Support for runners on the day included an Austin Health / ONJ Centre marquee in the race village, giving them a community hub to chat with others, store their bags, snack on fruit provided and have their photos taken with their medals!
“It was such a great atmosphere all round and I felt proud wearing my Austin singlet while I completed my first half marathon. I was so grateful for the care I received at Austin when I was patient, and this was my way to give back. I can’t wait for next year!” Austin Health Hero, Julian Hall says.
To our runners: you have all gone above and beyond because you care. We thank you for leading the way in the Austin Health community and demonstrating how passionate you are about the patients, families and staff you work with every day.
See photos from the day on the Austin Health Facebook page and the ONJ Facebook page.
For those who might have missed out on Run Melbourne 2019, next year’s event is only 364 days away, and it’s never too early to start training!
We hope you can join us next year and help us grow our Run Melbourne community by embracing the opportunity to raise funds for a ward or department of your choice.