David Fitzsimons, image courtesy of http://www.fitzys5.com.au/
Australian marathon running legend Steve Moneghetti has confirmed his intention to compete in the inaugural Fitzy’s 5 fun run to be held in Adelaide on Sunday August 1, 2010.
Moneghetti, one of Australia’s most recognised and decorated international athletes and Australia’s Chef-de-Mission for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Delhi, will join hundreds of recreational runners and walkers in honouring David Fitzsimons.
Fitzsimons, a proud South Australian, competed in two Olympic Games, two Commonwealth Games, and two World Cups over 5000m and 10000m. He won 8 Australian Championships and was a bronze medallist over 5000m at the 1977 World Cup. Tragically, Fitzsimons passed away on September 7, 2008 at the age of 58 after a courageous battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Fitzy’s 5, a 5 kilometre fun run and walk around the streets of Adelaide, will honour the memory of David Fitzsimons and assist in raising funds for the Hanson Institute to conduct vital cancer research.
“I am honoured to be coming over for the inaugural Fitzy’s 5 to acknowledge Dave Fitzsimons who was a true legend of Australian distance running” said Moneghetti.
“Dave was a pioneer of our sport, running times that would still see him winning National Titles even today. He was renowned for his tenacity and determination but off the track he was a humble and unassuming person.”
The history books show that Fitzsimons ran a 5km personal best of 13:17 in 1977, just 1 second slower than the legendary Ron Clarke, and remains the 5th fastest Australian all time over the distance. Moneghetti’s personal best for 5000m stands at 13:25, set in 1996.
Athletics SA Executive Director, Adam Bishop, was delighted by the announcement.
“It is fantastic that Mona will be running in the inaugural Fitzy’s 5. It’s not every day that your average runner or walker can toe the start line with one of the icons of Australian athletics. Hopefully Steve’s presence can draw a big crowd and provide a fitting tribute to another legend in Dave Fitzsimons.”
Moneghetti backed the Fitzy’s 5 initiative, saying that it was a wonderful way to remember a running icon and encouraged the people of Adelaide to sign up for the event.
“Let’s all get behind this terrific new event and raise funds for the Hanson Institute, working in the area of cancer research, in the memory of Dave Fitzsimons”.
Individuals and teams can register now at www.fitzys5.com.au
Entry to the event costs $29. Participants who register early will also receive a limited edition t-shirt while stocks last.
Entries close on Friday 30th July, 2010.
Event Details:
What: Fitzy’s 5 (5km fun run and walk). Honouring David Fitzsimons and raising funds for the Hanson Institute to conduct vital research – Honour a Legend: Seek a Cure
When: Sunday August 1, 2010 at 8am
Where: Starting and finishing at the Torrens Parade Grounds
Website: www.fitzys5.com.au
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