Motivation: Caroline Ivory, one of the first Run entrants, with Alicia, Aiden and baby Emma. Picture: DARRYL GREGORY

CAROLINE Ivory is quick out of the blocks -- and that's just when it comes to entering this year's Herald Sun/CityLink Run for the Kids.

The mother of three was among the first entrants yesterday for the March 14 run, which supports the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Mrs Ivory, 32, said she wanted to support the hospital because her two eldest children, Aiden, 7, and Alicia, 4, have cystic fibrosis and are monthly visitors.
"Run for the Kids is a practical way to help the hospital . . . and see the landmarks of Melbourne," Mrs Ivory said. "I know the money is going back to the hospital."

The family, from Doreen, in Melbourne's northeast, never imagined that the hospital would become such a big part of their lives. "We've had dealings with them for seven years and this will be my third run," Mrs Ivory said.
"It's such an amazing place. They're all great people that you wish you never had to meet."

Mrs Ivory said she had already begun training for the 14.6km run.
"I'm trying to follow Steve Moneghetti's training schedule (in the Herald Sun every Monday) so I'm in peak condition," she said.
"It's really good. You can actually fit it into your daily schedule."

A capacity 30,000 runners took to the streets in last year's run, which raised a record $924,000 for the appeal. Major sponsor CityLink rounded up the figure to $1 million.

All runners this year will go into a draw to win a Mazda2.

To register for this year's run, visit www.runforthekids.com.au.