Running on time

Fitness fanatics have no excuse for recording times, after two new digital clocks were installed at the Tan Track, just a short jog from Southbank.

The iconic track can thank Bennelong Foundation for the new technology, after it presented the City of Melbourne with the digital clocks as a gift.

The clocks have been located at the start/finish line on Alexandra Ave and at the halfway point on Birdwood Ave.

The tan may not be specifically within the Southbank postcode, but with our lack of parks and open spaces many residents who are interested in running and exercise use it.

The Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley was on hand to help unveil the new clocks, and talked about just how engrained sport and exercise was within Melbourne’s culture.

“The Tan Track has been used by Melburnians for more than 100 years and around 350,000 people use the track every year,” Cr Riley said.

She was full of praise for the Bennelong Foundation, adding: “The clocks were a wonderful idea by the Bennelong Foundation and we are very grateful for this generous gift. They complement the recent work the City of Melbourne has undertaken on the Tan, including widening the track and installing lighting.”

“These fabulous new clocks have greatly added to the enjoyment and ease of using the track.” Cr Riley said.

The Bennelong Foundation’s Chairman, Jeff Chapman was happy on two counts – one that his foundation could provide these clocks, and two that he is a local and a keen sportsman.

He was exciting the foundation could contribute to the health and fitness of Melburnians, saying: “The new clocks recognise the history and tradition of Melbourne’s much loved Tan Track in the beautiful Botanic Gardens, and are a practical encouragement to Melburnians and visitors alike to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, which is one of the strong themes of the Bennelong Foundation.”

“In addition, the clocks will enhance Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s pre-eminent lifestyle and sports-oriented city,” Mr Chapman added.

There is a chance for you to feature on the clocks, as they will display the 10 fastest recorded times around the Tan, so get your running shoes on and get into training.