Foot fall fun

THE patter of tiny feet will grow into a stomping crescendo when young runners swarm into Gembrook for the Kids Fun Run with Thomas the Tank Engine.
Thomas, who only runs on 17 special occasions every year, will feature in his fifth annual race at Gembrook Station on Sunday, 8 October.
Up to 500 runners are expected to register for the run which last year attracted about 2000 family and friends.
The race is open to all children up to 12 years of age and proceeds will go towards the development of a play area at the new children’s cancer wing at Monash Medical Centre in Clayton.
Children up to eight years old run against Thomas over various short distances while those between nine and 12 years of age will take on the might of Puffing Billy over 1650 metres.
Emerald Rotary Club, Gembrook Township Committee, Puffing Billy Railway and Variety have all had a hand in organising an event that has raised thousands of dollars for kids’ causes over the years.
Organisers hope a record field of mini-athletes will help top the $50,000 mark this year.
Race committee member Ken Miller said food and entertainment for the day would include a merry-go-round, jumping castle, music, clowns, slide, climbing wall, karaoke, animals, craft stalls, show bags and barbecues, as well as Gembrook’s array of shops and eateries.
Mr Miller said the day was not all about competition but rather a chance for the children to run alongside the track as the engines cruise into the station.
“The kids have a great time and it’s a great family atmosphere,” he said.
Children can register for the race at www.kidsfunrunwiththomas .com or phone 9754 3282 for more information.