Young leukemia survivor's incredible achievement

Despite sleeping through her alarm, 16-year-old Tess Baird from Australia ran 21 kilometers in the Run Melbourne event, an incredible feat considering she was diagnosed with leukemia twice when she was six and again four years ago. Her determination to tackle the challenge and raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation paid off, as she finished the half-marathon in just two hours and seven minutes.

Baird's remarkable story has inspired many, including Paralympian gold medallist Alexa Leary, who completed the 10-kilometer run with her friend Michaela, dancing with people playing the bongos along the route and enjoying the festival atmosphere. 'My biggest thing is I like to move for those who can't. So that's a big thing that I actually do run because I couldn't move for a long time, and now I'm able to,' Leary said.

### Run Melbourne attracts thousands and raises over AU$1 million

The Run Melbourne event brought together over 28,000 participants, with many more showing their support by cheering on the runners. The event, organized by Run Melbourne and Sole Motive, successfully raised over AU$1 million for more than 400 charities. 'It's been the biggest running festival in winter in Melbourne for years, and very big in terms of fundraising,' said Lisa Holmes, Run Melbourne organiser and Sole Motive chief executive.

### Families unite to tackle the challenge

The event saw many families uniting to tackle the challenge, with teacher Martina Golding joining her daughters, Hannah and Sarah, to complete the half-marathon on the day after her 70th birthday. 'It was very special, I just felt such a sense of achievement and to share that with my girls was great,' Martina said.

### Run Melbourne takes in Melbourne's iconic landmarks

The event took runners on a scenic tour of Melbourne's iconic landmarks, including Flinders Street Station, Docklands, the Yarra River, and the Tan. Lord Mayor Nick Reece, who ran 5.5 kilometers with his family and alongside Melbourne councillors Gladys Liu and Andrew Rouse, praised the event for showcasing the city's beauty. 'It's a great opportunity for people to see some of Melbourne's most beautiful, picturesque locations from an angle they never normally get to see, while having fun, while getting fit, while living their best life,' he said.

### Run Melbourne raises funds for charity

Runners at the event were able to raise funds for their preferred charities, with many participants showcasing their creativity in fundraising efforts. Tess Baird's incredible achievement has inspired others to tackle similar challenges, with the Run Melbourne event promising to continue its success in future years.

### Key Facts

  • 16-year-old Tess Baird ran 21 kilometers in the Run Melbourne event
  • Baird raised over AU$15,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation
  • Over 28,000 participants took part in the Run Melbourne event
  • AU$1 million was raised for more than 400 charities
  • Run Melbourne takes place in winter in Melbourne every year
  • The event showcases Melbourne's iconic landmarks