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Geelong locals hit the Target for Give Where you Live

‘Ronnie’ the Target mascot was a hit amongst participants this morning at the opening events of the second annual Geelong Multi Sport Festival, with the Target Foreshore Fun Run and Target Enticer Triathlon both supporting local group Give Where You Live.

General Manager Buying, Dennis Leahy of Target said he is proud of the ongoing support Target has of Give Where You Live.

“It’s fantastic for our staff and the community. We’re a big part of Geelong and really proud to be here today.

“We have over 70 people in the fun run and 13 teams in the enticer triathlon, so there has been an amazing vibe around the office this week with that amount of people getting involved,” said Mr Leahy. (pictured with Ronnie)

The striking backdrop of the Geelong Waterfront hosted the Target Foreshore Fun Run 5km and 10km courses which started at Steampacket Gardens and headed along Western Beach Road before returning along the Foreshore path.

The course was a sea of blue with participants wearing some very creative costumes in support of Geelong’s premier philanthropic organization, Give Where You Live. 11 year old Max from Newton wore his brightest blue singlet in the 5km event and said it was his third fun run.

Winner of the female 10km Brooke Williams is not new to big events, after winning a number of marathons around Australia and claims Geelong to be one of the best places for a fun run.

“Thankfully the rain held off, it was great seeing everyone out there today supporting Give Where You Live – it really is a wonderful place for a fun run. I start my Gold Coast Marathon training in 2 weeks, so it was a great hit out this morning,” said Miss Williams.

Erica Fountain made it back to back wins in the 5km event after another soaring victory in a time just over 17mins, giving the male competitors a fair push.

“It was the perfect race for me today. I had the guys in sight pushing me along which is ideal preparation for me with the Olympic trials next month,” said Fountain, an established 800m track runner.

The Target Enticer Triathlon followed the fun run, forming another way for the Geelong community to participate and support Give Where you Live.

The short, achievable distances were aimed at first timers and teams over a course of 400m swim, 10km ride, 4km run course set amongst the scenic surrounds of Eastern Beach.

Amongst the field were a number of teams from local Geelong companies such as Target, Barwon Health, Alcoa Australia and Kardinia Health.

Mark Moran of Barwon Health completed the run leg for his team.

“I beat my time from last year so am really happy with my run. There are a few teams from work here, I guess we have the ‘practice what you preach’ work ethic,” said Mr Moran.

Up against the Barwon Health teams was the strong contingent from Target, lead by Target Managing Director Dene Rogers.

“Our staff love getting involved with the community and that’s what we’re about,” said Mr Rogers.

Tim, Neil and Katie of Target Team #447 were some of the staff taking part today. We caught up with the team in transition as Neil headed out on the bike leg.

 “I’ve never been part of a triathlon before, but I’m super excited to run! Our manager at work (Dene Rogers) geared us all up to have a go,” said Katie.

Give Where You Live works on one simple yet powerful concept: together, we achieve more. The partnership with Target and the Geelong Multi Sport Festival has grown over the past year raising valuable funds to help Give Where You Live fulfill its goal of alleviating income, health and education disadvantage in the Geelong region.

Today’s events have certainly lifted the spirits of the Geelong community, with Steampacket Gardens also hosting a number of FREE community activities with the Youth Skate Competition and FREE clinics, Steampacket Open-Air Cinema tonight at 8:30pm, Petting Zoo, Sport and Lifestyle Expo plus entertainment.