Brisk 100km walk

8 April 2010
Illawarra Mercury, Page: 7

By Sam Hall

Kerry Dowling has put his hand up for more than 100 marathons including 11 full ironman races, but he won't be pulling on his running shoes for one particular charity event later this month.

Instead, he'll be channelling his energy into supporting wife Marion Maclean in The Great Illawarra Walk, an initiative she helped organise.

"Maz (Marion) has supported me for all the events I've done so it's good to support her in this," Mr Dowling said.

"There's a triathion on the same day and my company asked if I would compete. I thought for a minute but decided to be there for Marion." The 100km return trip from Shellharbour to Stanwell Park on April 17-18 will raise funds for children's charity Camp Quality.

Participants pay $25 to enter the event, or people can choose to sponsor someone else taking part.

"One hundred per cent of the money goes directly to Camp Quality ... This event is now in its third year; we're hoping to get 1000 walkers," Mrs Maclean said.

The event is a particularly sentimental one for Kerry, whose father lost his battle with cancer four years ago.

"Everyone's touched by cancer and every cancer is a challenge but when you've got children involved I think there's a real sense of hope," Mr Dowling said.

A weight loss life coach, Mrs Maclean is encouraging everyone to take part in the walk, whether it he for the full 100km or a shorter distance.

"It's about the ambience and the fun, it's not about a race or coming first," she said.

A pair of signed Shannan Taylor boxing gloves will be among several raffle prizes on offer at the event.

The walk will leave Addison St, Shellharbour, on Saturday, April 17 before the return leg the following day.

It's not too late to join us on this scenic stroll! Click here for more details!

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