Run Raises Koala's Profile

COMMONWEALTH Games gold medal winner Cleveland-based gymnast Thomas Pichler explained the benefits of having a healthy and active lifetsyle when he helped promote Redland City's Koala Fun Run, which will be held on Sunday, May 29.

Thomas and Redland City Mayor Melva Hobson launched the event at Norm Price Park ? Redland Showgrounds, Cleveland, last week.

The event has already attracted attention on websites around Australia with pledges to enter whole training squads and as many as 60 club members.

"The Koala Fun Run will be a healthy and fun community event with participation opportunities for everyone, and I'm really looking forward to it," Cr Hobson said.

"For committed runners, the 10 km course will be a great challenge against well trained competition, but there is also a 5 km and 3.5 km course circuit to suit every level of fitness and participation.

"You can walk with your children, friends and pets on the shorter 3.5 km course and enjoy fun activities afterwards, while at the same time contributing to saving our precious Redlands koalas.

"As well as encouraging fitness and a healthy community, the Koala Fun Run is aimed at raising the profile of our iconic koala species and encouraging people to do their part to save the dwindling urban koala population in the Redlands."

Thomas, who won two gold medals at last year's Commonwealth Games in Delhi, said he was excited about the Redlands having its own fun run.

"The Redlands is such a healthy and beautiful place to live and grow up in. It encourages people to be active. It's great to have an opportunity to celebrate that lifestyle through a fun event like this."

Members of the Victoria Point Bayside Runners and Walkers group who attended today's launch said they were eager to participate in the Koala Fun Run and for it to become an annual event.

Less than two years old, the group has grown to over 150 regular runners and walkers, with members meeting every Saturday.

Redland City Council has joined forces with Tailwind Promotions to create the Koala Fun Run.

The event will encourage people to act to protect the koala population and help to raise funds and awareness.

* The Koala Fun Run is on Sunday, May 29, at Norm Price Park? Redland Showgrounds, Cleveland. For more information, go to the Koala Central website at www.koalacentral.com.au

Bayside Bulletin, 11/04/2011