Melinda Gainsford-Taylor announced as new Ambassador for Can Too Foundation

Health promotion foundation, Can Too, is thrilled to welcome former Australian sprinter, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor as its newest Ambassador.  In addition to working with Can Too to raise awareness of the importance of funding cancer research in Australia, Melinda will be joining thousands of other “Can Tooers” in training for a fitness goal she never thought possible – the Sydney Marathon.

The three-time Olympian, who remains the Australian record holder for the 200m, is enthusiastic about encouraging people to be fit and active while raising vital funds for cancer research, having recently lost her mother to the disease after a 15-month battle.

“I am so proud to be a Can Too Ambassador as I love the Can Too philosophy of prevention by encouraging people to be fit, active and social,” said Gainsford-Taylor. “I know all too well the devastating impact that cancer can have on an individual and their loved ones, and I am really proud to be able to do something to help stop cancer from taking more lives in the future.”

While Gainsford-Taylor is a celebrated track and field athlete, dedicating herself to running a 42km marathon is a far cry from the short distance sprint races she is used to. “I’m used to training for events that are over in a matter of seconds, not hours!  So training to run 42km is a challenge that lies well out of my comfort zone.  Thankfully, Can Too’s running programs enable people of all fitness levels and abilities to achieve their fitness goals, while meeting new friends and making a fundraising contribution to cancer research.  It’s an absolute win-win,” she said.

Gainsford-Taylor will train twice a week with Can Too for 20 weeks, in the lead up to the marathon, joining hundreds of other participants in various locations in Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, the Central Coast and Melbourne as they train for 9km, 21km and 42km running events around Australia. Can Too, currently celebrating its 10 year anniversary has raised a staggering $15 Million for cancer research since its inception.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have someone of Melinda’s calibre join the Can Too community,” said Can Too’s founder and Chair, Annie Crawford, “Her wealth of knowledge, personal experience and passion for our cause is something that touches the very heart of what we do. As one of Australia’s most respected athletes, Melinda is an inspirational role model and a tremendous advocate for our work,” she said.

About Can Too Running Programs
During a Can Too running program, participants attend two organised group training sessions per week with a professional running coach.  The first is a mid week session on the track, focusing on running form, breathing technique, speed, core strength and injury prevention.  The second is a “long run” on Saturdays that focuses on pacing, race strategy, mental focus, running form and endurance.  Can Too also provides a training program for participants to follow for the remainder of the week including suggested cardio, strength and stretch sessions.

During their training program, participants raise funds that go directly towards innovative cancer research, supporting Cure Cancer Australia and Cancer Council NSW. 

Registrations for the Can Too Blackmore’s Sydney Running Festival programs are open now in multiple locations in Sydney and Wollongong (21km, 9km) as well as for programs in the Central Coast, Newcastle and Melbourne.  In the summer months, Can Too also holds training programs for ocean swims and triathlons. For more information, visit www.cantoo.org.au.

About the Can Too Foundation: Can Too is a health promotion foundation providing beginners and experienced people alike with professional coaching as part of a team to run, ride or swim in events – including marathon, half marathon 10km and 7/14km relay runs; ocean swims and Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons. While training, participants fundraise for innovative cancer research supporting Cure Cancer and Cancer Council NSW.

The Foundation was established in 2005 by Annie Crawford, following the death of her father from cancer. An avid runner herself, Annie set out to create a program that was not just about the physical challenge, but the transformation that occurs from making the impossible achievable, taking risks, setting goals and doing something for others.  The Can Too Foundation believes that everyone can achieve goals they only dreamed of, simply by taking the first step. For more information visit: www.cantoo.org.au or call 02 9334 1755.