Moira Mac’s is the new major sponsor for the 2017 Run For Dad on September 3.

The food company will contribute $3000 to the Father’s Day fun run at Bendigo Racecourse.

Proceeds will support a new Bendigo Community Health Services men’s health clinic at the 171 Hargreaves Street site and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Run For Dad is organised by Athletics Bendigo and forms part of the Bendigo Community Health Services Men’s Health Marathon – activities spread over 12 days to get men out, active and thinking seriously about their health.

Registrations are now open for the Run For Dad at www.registernow.com.au with the first 100 people to sign up getting a free Run For Dad T-Shirt.

Moira Mac’s financial controller Marc Smith said the company was keen to support an event that combined the importance of health with families getting out and enjoying time together.

“We need to make sure people do get checks so things can be caught a lot earlier. Things such as prostate cancer are easier to treat if detected early on,” he said.

“It’s important men get their prostates checked so they can be around for their children and their grandchildren.”

The Run For Dad offers 3.75 kilometre or 7.5 kilometre distance with participants getting a medallion at the finish.

Bendigo Community Health Services men’s health nurse practitioner Peter Strange said the Run For Dad delivered a good health message to people of all ages.

“Adults and children taking part in the Run For Dad is a great opportunity to educate generations about the importance of good health,’’ Mr Strange said. “It was fantastic last year to see so many Super Hero costumes so competitors can dress up and have some fun, too.”

Schools interested in having someone visit to promote Run For Dad or share a training program to help students prepare for the event should contact Keith McDonald from Athletics Bendigo on 5443 4644 (business hours) or Mr Strange on 0457 773 105.