Thousands of runners and walkers hit the pavement on November 20 in the annual Cotton On Foundation Run Geelong. A total of $448,180 was raised for the Geelong Hospital Cotton On Foundation Children's Ward Redevelopment from the event.  The bad weather during the week cleared to perfect conditions for the run and walk.

Run Geelong 2011 had 11,150 participants take on the 12km and 6km courses - which is the highest number of participants of the three years that the event has been held.  Many people wore their official Run Geelong tees and some chose crazy outfits, including a gorilla suit, all in the name of fun and fundraising.

The course that started and finished at Kardinia Park directed participants past Geelong Hospital where they got a 'high 5' from the Barwon Health Foundation mascot Dr Bear and ran past giant thank you signs that were erected.

Cotton On Foundation Manager Tim Diamond said everyone should be proud of their efforts "We had an incredible turn-out for this year's Run Geelong with a record level of sign ups. It's a great achievement by the local community who really got behind it".

The event was also a chance to catch a glimpse of local sporting stars, the Run Geelongettes and some of the Ambassadors. The high profile Ambassadors include Joel Selwood, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Maddern, Madison Browne, Kelly Laundry, Adrian Leijer, Ben Graham and Sally Fitzgibbons.

Thank you to the Cotton On Foundation for organising Run Geelong and to everyone who participated in and supported the event.

Keep up your training next year so the 2012 event is bigger and better than ever!