Back home, several North Melbourne staff have signed up for the Upstream 50km Challenge; a testing fun run and walk which takes competitors from Docklands to Donvale.
CEO Carl Dilena and former football boss Donald McDonald are among those to accept the challenge and will represent the Kangaroos’ as the ‘Arden Street Hikers’, but they’re asking for more supporters to join them.
“This is a great opportunity to come together as a club and raise much needed funds and awareness for several charities on behalf of the Upstream Foundation,” Dilena said.
“Fifty kilometres is a long way and I’m glad there’s an option to walk some of it,” he joked.
“It would be great to have some more loyal North fans sign up and join us.”
It’s the second consecutive year the Roos have entered a team in the Challenge which takes them along the Yarra River, all the way out to Templestowe and through to the finish line.
The event will take place on Saturday, 16th of November with the Upstream Foundation’s beneficiaries including Disability Sports & Recreation, FareShare, the Isabelle & Marcus Fund and the Leprosy Foundation. Each organisation has been selected based on its ability to make a difference and 100 per cent of the money raise from the Challenge will be donated to them.
The Upstream Foundation was established in 2005 when business partners Gordon Hoen and Neil Tilley decided they wanted to make a greater impact in the community. Hoen, a passionate North supporter who regularly travels to Utah with the team, says they hope to attract 1000 entrants this time around.
“More than 3700 walkers and runners have completed the course since we began and we’ve set this year’s fundraising target at $300,000.
“It’s a great way to have some fun with friends or family and increase your fitness, as well as helping those in need,” Hoen said.
The event is open to anyone over the age of 12. Register at upstreamfoundation.org
