Around 80 HBA, MBF and Mutual Community employees and their family and friends put their feet where their mouths were on Sunday to promote the benefits of exercise and to raise funds for charity in the inaugural HBA Great Australian Run.
Melbourne, VIC (PRWEB) December 3, 2008 -- Around 80 HBA, MBF and Mutual Community employees and their family and friends put their feet where their mouths were on Sunday to promote the benefits of exercise and to raise funds for charity in the inaugural HBA Great Australian Run.
The combined HBA Health Insurance team lined up with thousands of other Victorian and interstate runners to take on some of the world's leading distance runners, including World, Olympic and Australian champions, in the 15 kilometer event held in Melbourne on Sunday 30 November.
Bupa Australia Managing Director Richard Bowden said the HBA team included runners and walkers of all fitness levels, including Hawthorn legend Peter Hudson.
"Some of our people travelled from Brisbane QLD and Orange NSW to participate in this historic event, the first of the Great Run Series to ever be held in the southern hemisphere," Mr Bowden said.
"We are also proud that our Ambassadors - swim champion Matt Welsh and race walking star Jane Saville - also laced on their running and walking shoes to join the team."
The HBA Great Australian Run is part of the Great Run Series, the world's largest running program. HBA Health Insurance is part of the Bupa Group, which has been supporting the Great Run Series in the UK for 16 years.
The Great Run Series attracts more than 700,000 participants each year and raises millions of dollars for charity.
"The HBA Great Australian Run 2008 is no different, giving all participants the opportunity to raise funds for the charity of their choice," Mr Bowden said.
"HBA nominated Very Special Kids, which supports the families of children with life-threatening illnesses, as our principal charity for this event. We encourage all participants, their friends and supporters, to pledge their support for VSK or any other charity of the runner's choice."
Mr Bowden said the HBA Health Insurance team's involvement was particularly important given the role of HBA as part of one of Australia's leading private health insurance and care companies, Bupa Australia.
"Our people recognise the importance of regular exercise in helping to combat some major causes of illness in our community," Mr Bowden said.
Research has shown that regular exercise can:
- increase levels of 'good cholesterol'
- lower blood pressure
- boost the immune system
- help maintain healthy blood sugar levels
- improve bone density
- burn fat and help maintain a healthy weight
- improve your mood - making you feel better during and after exercise
"The HBA Great Australian run participants raised money for a good cause, and also did something good for their health," Mr Bowden said.
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