Youngsters across the Peninsula will soon be hitting the training track to get in shape for the second Kids’ Fun Run With K163.

The inaugural fun run last April saw about 300 kids aged 3-12 race the historic steam train at Moorooduc station and raise $19,550 to buy five beds for Frankston Hospital’s paediatrics ward.  Next March’s run, which is being organised by Rotary of Mount Eliza in partnership with Mornington Railway, is expected to attract more than 400 young runners and 1000 parents, grandparents and friends.

Peninsula Health community fundraising manager Renee Mazzoni hopes the run will raise $20,000 for an infant transport incubator for the hospital’s special care nursery.  “The infant transport incubator is a life-saving piece of equipment that keeps babies warm when being transported throughout the hospital for treatments,” Renee said.  “Sick and premature babies aren't able to keep themselves warm enough and risk serious complications like hypothermia.”

There will be multiple fun runs on the day based on age and distance, with the kids running alongside K163 on a relatively short, specially prepared length of track.  The family fun day will also include a petting zoo, face-painting, a sausage sizzle, a CFA display, and lots of refreshments. 

The Kids' Fun Run With K163 is on Sunday, March 19, from 10am-1pm at Moorooduc station. To register, go to mycause.com.au/events/funrunk163