Amongst more than 35,000 Victorians taking part in yesterday’s Run for the Kids, AFL stars Bryce Gibbs and Tom Lonergan were there to show their support.

Gibbs and Lonergan are taking part in the TeamUp 20 Day Challenge, which encourages Victorians to get moving in any way they see fit. Both players took time out of their day to spend time with participants and encourage others to download the TeamUp app, which allows users to connect with others nearby who want someone to exercise with. The app is available on iPhone, Android and Facebook, and can be downloaded here.

Gibbs said the Run for the Kids was a great way to kick off the 20 Day Challenge.

“It’s always good to go to these sorts of events, meet new people and have a bit of fun,” he said.

“That’s what it’s all about.”

As elite athletes, Gibbs and Lonergan understand the importance of exercising daily, eating well, and leading a healthy lifestyle; but roughly a quarter of Victorian adults take little or no part in regular physical activity. This is something the 20 Day Challenge, a VicHealth initiative, hopes to change.

For many Victorians, the Run for the Kids was a great chance to form healthy habits that will last well beyond the next 20 days.