TRIO TO RUN 220km IN 2 DAYS AROUND PORT PHILLIP BAY FOR BLACK SATURDAY COMMUNITIES

Three Melbourne businessmen will run 220 kilometres around Port Phillip Bay to raise $250,000 to help Black Saturday bushfire-affected communities on the first anniversary of the devastating bushfires.

On the eve of the first anniversary of the Black Saturday bushfires almost one year ago where over 2,000 homes were lost and 173 people perished, Eric Louw, Martin Edwards and Jarrod Kanizay, will depart at 5:00 am from Federation Square and run to Queenscliff, covering distance of around 120 kilometres on day one. On February 7, day two, the trio will set off from Sorrento and run back into the heart of the city.

The runners will wear yellow arm bands and will stop their run to participate in a minute's silence at 12:00 noon on Sunday 7 February 2010, to recognise the national significance of bushfires for all Australians and to remember and reflect upon those who lost their lives in the disaster, their families and friends, and the firefighters and the volunteers who helped them.

Team runner, Jarrod Kanizay says the marathon run was inspired by Marysville Marathon and the tragic bushfires that changed the lives of hundreds of Australians.

"Whilst there has been a massive recovery effort, many appeals are now closed and it is incredibly important that we continue to support the people in these communities to rebuild their townships.

"Rebuilding townships such as Marysville will take many years and they need our ongoing support," Mr Kanizay said.

"The money raised by the Black Saturday Run appeal will go to the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation and 100% of donations will be distributed to charities in the bushfire-affected local communities," Mr Kanizay said.

To donate or to obtain further information about the Black Saturday Run, visit the website at www.blacksaturdayrun.com.au.

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Media interviews: Jarrod Kanizay, 0430 017 783

Media Contact: Jarrod Kanizay (03) 9596 0008 or Andrew Archer (03) 9596 0008