Hobart schools are being asked to get their students involved in the City to Casino Fun Run, with organisers chasing a jump from around 3,000 participants to 5,000 this year.
21 schools have already signed up for this year’s edition of Tasmania’s oldest fun run, held on Sunday May 17.
Race Director Tim Smith said he wants thousands more students and families to join in.
“City to Casino has always been about bringing the community together and seeing schools get behind it is a big part of what makes the event so special,” Smith said.
Schools can enter as teams, with two $500 cash prizes up for grabs.
One rewards the highest number of student registrations and the other the highest percentage of participation, giving smaller schools just as much chance of winning as the larger ones.
A key drawcard for younger runners is the Beat the Apple challenge, sponsored by Hansen Orchards.
Under-12s in the 2.7 kilometre race try to outrun a costumed apple mascot from Salamanca to Wrest Point.
Students can also try to beat their school principal or a nominated staff member.
One school has already promised the principal will shout lunch at the canteen if students cross the line first.
Smith said the event drew as many as 4,900 runners for its 40th anniversary a decade ago and he would love to see it hit 5,000 again.
“It really is pushing a health message and trying to make people say that you start when you’re young and you keep going for the rest of your life,” he said.
Larissa Bernes, assistant principal at Landsdowne Crescent Primary School, said students come to school the following Monday proudly wearing their medals and talking about who they managed to beat.
Bernes said the school had around 60 participants last year and is hoping to get between 70 and 100 this time.
She does park runs every week and is “pretty competitive”.
Grade six student Hugo Lorimel has done the seven kilometre for the past two years and clocked 30 minutes last year.
His advice for kids on the fence: “Just give it a crack and it’s really fun.”
Grade five student Hannah Claridge said she was nervous but excited.
“It’s a great way to get your fitness up. It’s amazing if you beat someone from your school,” she said.
