i98FM’s Christian & Bella attempt new cross country record

i98FM Breakfast hosts Christian and Bella have swapped the studio for the running track in a bold (if slightly ambitious) attempt to shatter an Illawarra school cross country record.

Inspired by the debut cross country performance of Bella’s daughter Gigi, the duo set their sights on a 12-year-old’s 3km record of 14 minutes.

The preparation was nothing short of ‘elite’, involving intensive on-air physiotherapy sessions and the strategic placement of walking pads in the studio to clock up kilometres during the show.

The showdown took place at the iconic WIN Stadium with the pair channelling the spirit of Australian sporting royalty by donning custom running suits inspired by Cathy Freeman’s legendary 2000 Olympic suit.

Wollongong’s Lord Mayor Tania Brown fired the starting gun and WIN News Sports Presenter Jared Constable provided play-by-play commentary as the pair completed nine gruelling laps of the stadium.

Despite the high-performance attire and community support, the record remained intact.

Christian crossed the finish line in 18 minutes, with Bella following at the 19-minute mark.

i98FM Content Director Michael Christian praised the pair’s effort, noting that whilst the record books remain unchanged, the entertainment factor was at an all-time high.

“I’ll be honest, I genuinely didn’t think they’d be able to run 3 kilometres, regardless of time. So, in many ways, this was already a victory. The actual record is still very safe, but Christian and Bella proved once again that nobody shows up for the Illawarra quite like they do… usually with more enthusiasm than athletic ability.”

Christian and Bella can be heard from 6am weekdays i98FM.