Run-hit wonder

Corey Barrett, Haley Pass and Maddie Waites at the Horse Racing Finishing Post. 179397_01 Pictures: ROB CAREW

By Kyra Gillespie

Runners of all abilities turned out for the inaugural Cardinia Shire Community Fun Run.
Aligned Leisure, operators of Cardinia Shire’s major aquatic and recreation facilities, partnered with the Pakenham Racing Club to coordinate the big event, with all entrant fees going to the Casey Cardinia Foundation.
On Sunday 8 April, participants journeyed around the Pakenham racing track for a 5km walk, 5km run or 10km run.
The aim of the event was to address the specific objectives from the Cardinia Shire’s Liveability Plan.
“We are thrilled to connect the community though physical activity, whilst further supporting the Casey Cardinia Foundation,’ Cardinia Leisure Manager Simon Bryson said.
The Casey Cardinia Foundation Ltd is a philanthropic Community Foundation, raising funds for local community groups throughout the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire, with funds dispersed through an annual grants program.
The Foundation aims to support the social and physical development of the community.
“The Foundation would like to thank Aligned Leisure for coordinating the inaugural Cardinia Shire Community Fun Run,” Foundation CEO Carlos Santin said.
“The donation of entry fees and donations which totalled $1500 to the Foundation will help drive important community programs and services delivered by the Foundation and supported by local businesses.”
In 2017 the Casey Cardinia Foundation distributed over $67,000 to local organisations at the 2017 Community Grants Award Celebration.
Worthy recipients included Beaconsfield Officer Scout Group, Lakeside Pakenham Scout Group, Hillview Bunyip Aged Care, WAYSS, Southeast Palliative Care, Bunyip & District Men’s Shed, Council of the Ageing, Southern Cross Kids’ Camps and Headspace in Narre Warren.
“Thank you to everyone in the community who contributed through the fun run – without you we could not support worthy organisations doing so such amazing work to build resilience in our local community,” Mr Santin said.
“Congratulations also to all donors and participants who journeyed around the Pakenham racing track.”