Fitness Blog
Can Too trains Aussies to glory while raising $1.6 million for cancer research
Wed Aug 6 2008Having raised $1.6 million for Cure Cancer Australia since its inception in 2005, while training more than 1,000 Australian men and women to participate in endurance running and swimming events, Can Too aims to have raised $2.5 million for cancer research by the end of 2008.
Can Too allows novices and experienced athletes alike to receive free professional coaching as part of a team to run or swim in various events – including Half-Marathon, Marathon and 9km runs; as well as 1km and 2.7km ocean swims. In return, participants raise sponsorship dollars that go towards funding cancer research through Cure Cancer Australia. Thanks to Can Too's principal supporter, the Macquarie Group Foundation, every single dollar raised by Can Too participants goes directly to Cure Cancer Australia, which funds Australian scientists working in all areas of cancer research.
If you are a keen runner looking for an incentive to run that marathon you've always had at the back of your mind, then Can Too provides the perfect training environment, with the added benefits of fantastic group support and the knowledge that as you reach your fitness goals, you will also be helping a great cause, Cure Cancer Australia, get closer to reaching it's goals.
Training for the Blackmore's Running Festival marathon and half marathon programs has started already and the training for the 9km Bridge Run starts this month. In each program, participants are given twice weekly professional group training sessions at various locations around Sydney.
Programs are specifically tailored to prepare participants for their particular race distance, and in addition to providing coaching in a supportive team environment, the programs include guest talks from physiotherapists, nutritionists, cancer patients and researchers, as well as training guidelines and fundraising support. In return, participants must raise a minimum amount of fundraising dollars for Cure Cancer Australia, although according to Can Too founder Annie Crawford, they usually raise more.
'One of the most rewarding elements is seeing people surprise themselves with their own ability, both physically and on the fundraising side. It's not just experienced people who join Can Too – we get many who have never run or swum in their lives and go on to reach their own personal running or swimming glory, while raising thousands of dollars for cancer research in the process' she said.
'Can Too is all about making what seems impossible, become achievable – including finding a cure for cancer. No matter what level of experience you begin with, Can Too is all about helping you to set goals and then giving you the tools to reach those goals. For many of our participants, the combination of personal achievement as well as raising money for such an important cause is totally life changing'.
Cure Cancer Australia's executive director, Lyn Stroud, says the Foundation is overwhelmed by the amazing amount of money raised to date by Can Too in such a short time.
'What began in 2005 with one training location and only a handful of runners has grown to be one of our major sources of fundraising – having already funded 21 bright young Australian researchers to date' said Lyn, who has herself completed nine Can Too training programs.
'Can Too has been really successful because it is a program where everybody wins. Not only are participants accomplishing fitness goals they may never have thought possible, they are helping researchers to push the boundaries towards finding a cure for cancer' she said.
Can Too training locations are located all over Sydney with programs available to men and women over the age of 18. Can Too also trains for ocean swim events in the summer. To sign up to a Can Too training program near you, visit www.cantoo.org.au
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