| BE PART OF THE FIRST-EVER KOSCIUSZKO RUN on MARCH 19, 2010. Locals are being encouraged to take part in a spectacular new running event to the summit of Australia’s highest peak on Friday, March 19: the Kosciuszko Run. Completing the 11km run through the breathtaking Mt Kosciuszko National Park will not only be good for your own heart, but will also be a chance to help look after the hearts of all Australians, as the Heart Foundation is the event’s charity partner.
The Heart Foundation's CEO (NSW), Tony Thirlwell, said that by taking part in the Kosciuszko Run and fundraising, people can help the Heart Foundation continue the fight against cardiovascular disease. “Cardiovascular disease is still one of the leading causes of death in our community and claims one Australian life every 11 minutes,” he said.
“Funds raised through the Kosciuszko Run will help us fund critical research and community projects to improve awareness, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease,” Mr Thirlwell added.
The Kosciuszko Run has been created to commemorate the 170 year anniversary of the discovery of Mount Kosciuszko by Sir Pawel Edmund Strzelecki in 1840. It is an 11km run through Australia’s High Country aimed at promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, while showcasing the beauty of the mountain and teaching a new generation about the history of the highest peak in Australia and the life of Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
The Kosciuszko Festival will begin with the Kosciuszko Run at 11am, on Friday, March 19, 2010.
Kosciuszko National Park is Australia’s highest national park, covering 1.5 million acres of magnificent alpine terrain, which is host to a wonderful variety of flora and fauna, including many alpine plants that are found nowhere else in the world.
For more information or to register for the event visit www.kosciuszkorun.com.au
To set up your fundraising page or to make a donation to the Heart Foundation, visit
www.heartfoundation.org.au/nsw
Media Contact
Kerry Kalcher: 02 9219 2433 / 0401 672 128 or kerry.kalcher@heartfoundation.org.au
The Heart Foundation saves lives and improves health through funding world-class cardiovascular research, guidelines for health professionals, informing the public and assisting people with cardiovascular disease. As a charity, the Heart Foundation relies on donations and gifts in wills to continue our lifesaving research, education and health promotion work. For further information go to www.heartfoundation.org.au or call our heart health information service on 1300 36 27 87.
Article updated March 10, 2010 | 
