Canberra might have moved on from Enlighten season, however the lights aren’t all out yet. 

If your idea of a great night out blends family, friends, exercise and, well, neon, then you’ll love what’s coming up this autumn.

The Ignite Walk 2017 on Friday 28 April is being organised for the first time by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance ACT (CPA ACT) as a fundraiser to raise awareness of the disability that affects 34000 Australians.

“Launching in Canberra this year, it is our vision that Ignite Walk will become a national event, taking place in major cities and regional centres across Australia and will fast become a household name as the most exciting new charity event to enjoy with family, friends and training groups,” says Nathalie Maconochie, ACT Fundraising Manager for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. “We hope the Ignite Walk will be an annual highlight on the Canberra event calendar.”

Every 15 hours, a child is born with Cerebral Palsy and the CPA ACT is the organisation doing everything it can to support this community, which includes fundraising for research. Recently, there is hope that the latest advances of “stem cell tourism” may regenerate healthy cells in the body and help to improve the conditions of patients suffering from CP, so raising funds to support this research is now more important than ever.

The Ignite Walk kicks off with a Neon Party at 5pm, where participants will be surrounded by enchanting colour and light from installations produced by local artist Tommy Balogh. From there, participants have the option to complete a 7km, 14km or 21 km run or walk around Lake Burley Griffin.

Part of ‘VOYAGE’ by Tommy Balogh, exhibited at the Nishi Gallery in 2016

“The shorter 7km distance enables families with young children to come along and be part of this exciting new high energy night time event and finish in time to enjoy some food and after-walk fun at the start/finish entertainment hub and still be home in time for bed!” says Nathalie.

“The longer 14km and 21km distances provide the opportunity for more serious walkers and groups to challenge themselves to take on something a little tougher. All walkers will receive a numbered bib and timing chip and everyone that finishes will receive a glow in the dark medal!”

Interested? Purchase your ticket now and get fundraising! Every dollar counts.

the essentials

What: The Ignite Walk 2017
When: Friday 28 April from 5pm
Where: There are a variety of locations, see the website for more details
Web: www.ignitewalk.com.au

Feature image: Martin Ollman