Kids train to run

By Tania Martin
HUNDREDS of kids strapped on their runners on Sunday to challenge their favourite steam train, Thomas the Tank Engine, to a fun run.
More than 801 budding athletes took the chance to race the iconic steam train.
Each year thousands converge on Gembrook for the big race and it was no different this time.
The variety event is run by the Emerald Rotary Club with the support of Puffing Billy Railway.
The Fat Controller and the clowns were also a popular feature again this year.
But the day is about more than the fun run, it was a family day with plenty of amusement rides for all to enjoy.
Rotary club president Ken Miller said the event was the biggest it’s ever been.
“It was a fantastic day and we had 100-plus volunteers working,” he said.
“It’s getting bigger and better every year.”
Club secretary Ian Wakefield said the day would have raised in excess of $40,000.
Each year the cash is donated to the Monash Medical Centre Cancer Wing for sick children.
Mr Miller said the money would go towards helping kids with their homework while undergoing cancer treatment.
“It will bring their eduction to the bed side so they are able to continue their studies via computers and keep in contact with their friends,” he said.