When Carlton midfielder Ed Curnow pulls on his sneakers for the City2Sea this year, he’ll have extra motivation to go the distance.

The recently married Blue will return from his honeymoon a day early to run alongside family friend Phoebe Mitchell who has Down Syndrome.

Curnow has been a long-time friend of Phoebe’s brother, coincidentally also named Ed, and they’re teaming up to help raise funds for Down Syndrome Victoria (DSV).

Carlton has a close association with DSV, with veteran defender Kade Simpson an official ambassador, while the Blues also employee two interns through the organisation.  

This year the City2Sea will take place on Sunday 15 November. The 15km track takes in the most iconic and scenic places in Melbourne including the MCG and Flinders St Station.

Phoebe has never run 15km before, so there’s no doubt Ed will be cheering her on as he runs alongside in support.

Since its inception in 2011 the event has raised more than one million dollars for hundreds of charities across Australia.

So far the DVS team, named ‘Running with Something Extra’, has raised nearly $15,000 for Down Syndrome Victoria.

If you’d like to support Ed and donate to the tally, please click here.