Active Merri-bek fun run changes lives through fitness and fundraising (media release)

17 February 2020

AFTER losing almost half her body weight, Angela Dionysopoulos is setting herself a new challenge: the 10km event at the Active Merri-bek Fun Run and Walk. 

The annual fun run will kick off at Coburg Lake Reserve on Sunday, March 1, at 9am with the option to walk or run 5km or 10km along the picturesque Merri Creek trail. The event is inclusive to all ages and abilities and is pram and wheelchair-friendly.

Miss Dionysopoulos has competed in the 5km event four times before, with the fun run helping her with her fitness and health journey and weight loss of more than 50kg.

This year, Miss Dionysopoulos said she wanted a bigger challenge this year.

“My main new year’s resolution for 2020 was to register, train for and complete the 10km run,” she said.

“I’ve been training for five weeks and will continue to train until the event day. I have had a few injuries here and there but that won’t stop me.”

Miss Dionysopoulos, who also works for the YMCA as the Active Merri-bek digital communication and marketing specialist, said the event catered for all fitness types.

“I’ve never been a runner, I’ve always been into moderate cardio, weight training but most importantly eating well,” she said.

“Safe to say I’m really enjoying this style of training, for me it’s challenging yet I’m getting better and better with each session. Let’s just hope I can finish on the day.”

Last year, Active Merri-bek raised more than $7000 at the event which supported at-risk youth in Merri-bek by providing them subsidised and free access to programs and services of the Active Merri-bek Aquatic and Leisure through Open Doors.

Whether you decide to walk, run or stroll, it’s a fantastic way to start off a Sunday morning and raise money for a good cause.

Online registrations close Wednesday 26 February. If you miss out don’t worry, registrations on the day open at 8am!

To find out more information on the Active Merri-bek Fun Run and Walk, visit the website at www.activemoreland.com.au