Emer Casey Fun Run

Sunday 26 May, 2013

Emer Casey was a native of Youghal, County Cork in Ireland. Emer's vibrant and very full life was cruelly cut short in 2006, when she was diagnosed with ovarian/uterine cancer on 28th of February at the age of 27. After a short battle exceptionally bravely borne, Emer tragically passed away on the 10th June 2006, four days after her 28th birthday. Emer's untimely death had such an enormous impact on her family, friends, colleagues and everybody who knew her, that the Emer Casey Foundation was established in her honour and her memory.

Why help?

Ovarian cancer is often dubbed the “silent killer”. It is the leading cause of death from gynaecological malignancy in the western world. The poor survival of ovarian cancer patients can be attributed to 1) lack of standardised screening test 2) late presentation of disease 3) high rate of recurrence 4) development of chemoresistance and 5) poorly understood disease biology. The Emer Casey Foundation is dedicated to addressing these problems.

This year the Emer Casey Foundation will support the fantastic research into ovarian cancer being carried out in Australia by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The monies raised by participating in the Emer Casey fun run, and fundraising online will help researchers learn more about ovarian cancer and create better outcomes for women touched by the disease. Last year we had over 100 runners and raised over $20,000.

Race options

Participants can select to compete in either the:

• 5km walk/run

• 10km run

Event day

• Run with record holder, former Olympic medalists & World Champion, Sonia O’Sullivan
• Prizes to races winners
• BBQ and drinks available for a gold coin donation
• International entertainment
• Cheer squads and support teams cheering you while you race
• Raffle and Spot prizes

• Enjoy the ‘carnival’ feel of the event with stalls from associated organisations.

Meeting point/Parking/Getting there

The meeting point for the fun run is Oval 3 located on Union Loop road, Clayton Campus, Monash University. Map. (Melways ref 70 G10)

By Car: The trip will take about 30 minutes by car from the city centre along Citylink (tolls apply) and the Monash Freeway. If using Eastlink (tolls) from the north or south, use the Monash Freeway interchange and travel west. If travelling from Melbourne airport add 15 minutes via Citylink (tolls).

*Parking is available in the gravel carpark located just left of Oval 3 (There will be signage on the day directing you to this area)

By train: to get to Clayton campus by public transport, take any of the Dandenong, Pakenham or Cranbourne line trains to Huntingdale station then catch a bus to the campus. Buses leave the station for Clayton campus every 15-20 minutes.

By bus: Buses stopping at the Clayton bus loop:

• 630, between Elwood and Monash University
• 631, between Waverly Gardens SC and Southland shopping centre
• 691, between Bayswater and Waverley Gardens
• 703, between Blackburn and Middle Brighton
• 733, between Box Hill and Oakleigh
• 737, between Croydon and Monash University
• 802/804/862, different routes between Dandenong and Chadstone shopping centre

See the Metlink website for timetables and more information.

How to regsiter

Registration is not yet open for the 2013 event.

Entry fees

All proceeds of the event are given to the Peter Mac foundation. Fees are yet to be determined for 2013.

Items to bring on the day

We recommend that you bring a bottle of water, a small snack and/or money to purchase sausages. Please ensure that these items are placed in a small, clearly labelled bag as there will be limited storage space.

Cloakroom

There will be a cloakroom available for you to place small items. You can check in your belongings before your race and collect them after your event concludes. Our volunteers will do their best to look after your items but please remember that they are your responsibility and Monash University and Emer Casey Foundation will not accept any liability for their loss or damage.

Helpful tips to ensure your Emer Casey Fun Run runs smoothly

The following is merely a guide, as each individual’s training needs differ. Please contact your doctor before engaging in any extensive exercise program.

How can I avoid dehydration?

Rain, hail or shine the Emer Casey Fun Run will go on, as will dehydration! Hydration is an important part of any type of exercise that you engage in. It is something people generally overlook and by the time you feel thirsty your body is already suffering from the onset of dehydration. Make sure you drink plenty of water and top up on electrolytes (sports drinks) in the days leading up to the event as this will assist your performance. Avoid alcohol the day before or dairy-based drinks on the day of the event.

What should I eat the night before?

For those of you tackling the runs you will need to ensure you top up on carbohydrates the night before the event. Foods such as rice, pasta and potatoes are an excellent source of carbs. Try to avoid heavy foods such as steaks and fried food! Walkers should also aim to eat a light meal but need not load up on carbohydrates.

What should I wear?

The average forecast for Melbourne during May is around 16 degree Celsius but remember in Melbourne anything can happen. Make sure you are wearing clothing you are comfortable in. As nice as it is to have brand new pair of shoes on the day it is vital you have ‘run’ them in so as to avoid any discomfort during your event.

Pre-Event Warm Up

Prior to the event start there will be a warm up Monash Sport Group Fitness instructors. Warm up is an important part of letting your body know that you are about to engage in exercise and helps prevent injuries and some soreness. The warm up will be held on Oval 3 at 9.30am.

Volunteering - Can you lend a hand?

As a member of the TeamMONASH™ Support Crew you have the opportunity to enjoy the fun and the experience of the Around the Bay in a Day. All volunteers receive a certificate and an official Support Crew t-shirt. If you would like to be involved as a volunteer please follow the steps below:

Monash Students:

• Step 1: Please log onto the volunteer gateway https://volunteergateway.monash.edu.au/
• Step 2: Find the TeamMONASH™ and other possible volunteer opportunities available to you across the university.
• Step 3: Complete the application forms.
• Step 4: Attend a compulsory training session.

Alumni and Community Volunteers:

• Step 1: Please send an email to volunteer@sport.monash.edu.au stating the name of the event in the subject line and in the main email your name, email address and a mobile phone number.
• Step 2: Await a reply and complete the application forms.
• Step 3: Attend a compulsory training session.

Further enquiries

For enquiries about TeamMONASH™ or this event, please contact:

participants@monash.edu or +61 3 9905 1073