The need to continue raising awareness of men’s health issues has inspired Bendigo food company Moira Mac’s to sign up as major sponsor of the Run For Dad on September 4.

The family-owned business will contribute $2500 to the annual Father’s Day fun run at Bendigo Racecourse which raises awareness and money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Villawood Properties, Athletes Foot, Purtill’s Nursery and Bendigo Property Management will also sponsor the event.

The Run For Dad is organised by Athletics Bendigo and will form part of Bendigo Community Health Services’ inaugural Men’s Health Marathon this year.

The Men’s Health Marathon will see 11 days of activities from August 25 to get men out, active and thinking about their health.

Moira Mac’s financial controller Marc Smith said supporting a healthy event such as the Run For Dad was important to the growing company.

“We employ 100 staff here and it’s probably a 50-50 split, male and female, so the health side of things is really important and something we want to support,” he said.

Mr Smith said the company loved a new concept by Run For Dad organisers to visit schools to encourage students to get their fathers, brothers, grandfathers and uncles involved in the event.

“We think this is a great way to raise awareness and make sure people do go and get their checks so we can catch things a lot earlier. It’s a lot easier to treat if caught early on,” he said.

“Let’s make sure all men get their prostates checked so they can be there for their children or their grandchildren.”

Run For Dad offers 3.75 kilometre and 7.5 kilometre distances with all participants receiving a medallion and free breakfast.

Bendigo Community Health Services men’s health nurse practitioner Peter Strange said it was vital the good health message was delivered from an early age.

“We believe getting children to participate in the Run For Dad and encourage others to run or walk with them will be a fantastic lesson for all,’’ Mr Strange said.

“The day will have a Super Hero theme so competitors can dress up and have some fun, too.”

Athletics Bendigo members and Mr Strange have started visiting school assemblies to promote the Run For Dad and encourage students to get involved with other family members.

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 Bendigo Community Health Services men’s health nurse practitioner Peter Strange on 0457 773 105.

To support the Run For Dad or the Men's Health Marathon email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 5448 1629.

Together we can make a difference!