record number of people including AFL champion Joel Selwood took part in the eighth annual Run Geelong with 12,813 participants helping to raise $ 320,622 for the Maternity Ward at University Hospital Geelong . Previously , the record for the most participants was made in 2013 with 12,062 registrations .

In need of refurbishment , the current Maternity Ward was moved to University Hospital Geelong in 1998 from the old Baxter House and sees over 2,400 babies born each year .

Jill Moodie , Executive Director of the Barwon Health Foundation said , “ I am constantly blown away by the support of our community , which was again on display here at Run Geelong .

“ The support we receive from Run Geelong each year is significant , with every dollar from each registration being donated , which has allowed us to undertake major refurbishments and redevelopments at our hospital .”

This year , the event day experience was bigger and better , with participants soaking up the festival fun atmosphere at the event precinct and enjoying an exclusive performance by Australian superstar Samantha Jade , who sang her hits Up , Shake That and Always . Jade was supported by K-Rock ’ s ‘ The Band ’ competition winner Dangerous Curves .

Run Geelong Ambassadors Selwood , Carrie Bickmore , Nadia Bartel and Richard Colman all took part in events throughout the morning and enjoyed the festival fun after their walk .

For many Geelong locals , having the opportunity to participate alongside their resident Geelong AFL star , Selwood , was the thrill of a lifetime , and he was certainly popular out on the course . It was the seventh year Selwood has participated in the event .

“ There are so many reasons to get involved . Firstly , because I love the event we put on as a community and secondly to see the impact of the funds raised and how they can make a difference to the hospital ,” said Selwood .

This year Selwood chose the popular 6km walk event to enter , which gave him the maximum time out on the course with his fans . “ I like participating in this one as it allows me to talk , have photos with as many people as I can and I also get to see everyone smiling .” 


Cotton On Group National Events Manager , Amy Bett , said she was thrilled at the number of people from Geelong and surrounding communities who participated in this year ’ s event and stayed on to enjoy the new festival vibe .

“ Over the past eight years , the local community has been very supportive of Run Geelong and having the festival precinct and a special act like Samantha Jade was a way for us to thank participants for their ongoing support and the contribution they have made to the University Hospital Geelong ,” Bett said .

Run Geelong forms part of the Cotton On Group ’ s Run Australia program , which delivers community events in regional locations across Australia , catering for all ages and abilities , to fund major children ’ s healthcare projects in the communities where the events are held .

Since its inception in 2009 , Run Australia has raised over $ 4million , with events taking place in Ballarat , Wollongong , Newcastle and Townsville .

Team Awards . AFL Premiership ( Geelong ): 2007 , 2009 , 2011 . McClelland Trophy ( Geelong ): 2007 , 2008

Individual Awards �- All-Australian : 2009 , 2010 , 2013 ( C ), 2014 ( C ), 2016 ( C ) �- Carji Greeves Medal : 2010 , 2013 , 2014 �- AFLPA Best Captain Award : 2013 �- AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award : 2009 , 2012 , 2013 , 2014 �- Michael Tuck Medal : 2009 �- AFLCA Best Young Player Award : 2008 �- AFL Rising Star Award : 2007 �- AFLPA Best First Year Player Award : 2007 �- Geelong F . C . Community Champion Award : 2011 �- Geelong F . C . Best First Year Player Award : 2007 �- Captain of Australia in International Rules Series : 2014 �- Captain of Geelong F . C .: 2012 — present �- Geelong F . C . Life Membership Inductee : 2012

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