Record number of athletes run for a reason
A record number of people took part in the fifth annual HBF Run For A Reason this morning.
Nearly 30,000 flocked to the city - some in costume, others decked out in serious running gear - for the 4km and 12km events that came to an end at Gloucester Park.
WA charities are the big winners today, benefiting from fundraising efforts totalling more than $1 million.
As they crossed the line, some shed tears as they remembered their reason for taking part in the event: running in memory of friends and family who had lost their lives from a variety of illnesses.
ALL THE RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE WEST AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPER ON MONDAY
Brandon Hargreaves, 21, was the first male to finish the 12km run in 36min. 10sec. and the first female was once again Linda Spencer, who was thrilled that her time of 40:46 was an improvement on last year.
Marc See managed to hold on to his 4km run male winner title with 11:22, while Bri Ilarda clocked 13:26 as the first female across the line.
The start line at the corner of Hay Street and William Street was a sea of blue and white this morning as thousands of athletes prepared to run.
Runners chose to run the 4km scenic course along Riverside Drive or 12km along the Mitchell Freeway to the Graham Farmer Freeway past Burswood.
HBF Run for a Reason. Picture: Dione Davidson/The West Australian
HBF managing director Rob Bransby said he was certain the event would continue to grow.
“One of the things that makes this event so special is that everyone has their own reason for taking part,” Mr Bransby said.
“From an elite athlete trying to break a record, to family members taking part after the loss of a loved one, every reason is unique.
“That creates a fantastic, supportive atmosphere among the participants and spectators on event day – and that’s what keeps our participants coming back year after year.”
Runners on the longer course were treated to a projection on the inside of the Northbridge Tunnel.
All athletes were given a disposable timing device which recorded their finish time. The results will be published in The West Australian tomorrow.
HBF runner take off in the city. Picture: Dione Davidson/The West Australian
RUNNING FOR A REASON
CANCER CURE HOPE RUNS DEEP
MUM'S NEW START
TODDLER SPURS RUNNERS
STROKE VICTIM SHOWS IRON WILL
RESULTS
12km
1st place (male)
Brandon Hargreaves
00:36:10
2nd place (male)
Roberto Busi
00:36:35
1st place (female)
Linda Spencer
00:40:46
2nd place (female)
Felicity Sheedy-Ryan
00:42:09
4km
1st place (male)
Marc See
00:11:22
2nd place (male)
Joshua Tedesco
00:11:46
1st place (female)
Bri Ilarda
00:13:26
2nd place (female)
Abby D’Sylva
00:14:34
