STAFF WRITERS
THE 25th DFP Recruitment Latrobe City Community Fun Run and Walk is on this Sunday, March 26, and it’s going to be a big one to mark the milestone.
Running from Kernot Hall Morwell, it is an out and back course along Waterhole Creek to Crinigan Road, where it crosses the creek to return on the opposite side. The course is a flat 5k. There is also a 1.5k run for the kids 12 and under, which does a circuit around the Kernot Hall Lake. Organised by the Traralgon Harriers, the event is all about engaging the community in health and fitness and providing an opportunity to participate in a fun event. The main aim is to raise money for Gippsland Rotary Centenary House, which is the cancer support facility at Central Gippsland Hospital. Harriers Club president and Race Director Phill Mayer said, “The out and back course will provide runners with support, cheers and encouragement from each other, and that great feeling of achievement, irrelevant of speed or ability. It’s all about participation and walkers and teams are encouraged to join. This is a wonderful event for Latrobe, and it’s supported by so many wonderful organisations, businesses and Latrobe City, which just adds to the atmosphere we create at the start hub.” “We have shoe displays, a massage tent, an ice cream van, BBQ, a DJ pumping out the tunes and a stack of spot prizes donated. The event is electronically timed for those going for a PB, and our major sponsor will be there at the end handing out water to quench the thirst. The kids all get a medal for running the 1.5k, there are great prizes for the place-getters in the main event, as well as plaques for the greatest entry from a sporting club, business and school.” “We create a really welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and encourage the best runners to come and have a crack, but also those just wanting to challenge themselves and have some fun. A lot of people walk and jog the 5k, running together or with prams and kids. 5k is a big challenge for many people, and it’s surprising how many people sign up and set themselves the goal of just finishing. People get quite emotional, it’s really a wonderful achievement to step outside your comfort zone and do something that pushes your limits and confronts you. There are always wonderful personal stories of overcoming boundaries to arrive at the finish line. And of course we’re raising some money for a great charity organisation.” “The event has raised over $30,000 just in the years that I’ve been Race Director, and that’s not counting the thousands in the years prior. This is a really special community event and everyone wins, the participants, the community, and of course the actual winners,” Mr Mayer added. Bib collection will be at Kay Street in Traralgon near the cenotaph between 2-4pm on Saturday 25th, and from 8am on Sunday at the event. The kids run starts at 9am, with the 5k run and walk kicking off after the last junior is finished, at around 9.30am. “There are some speedy runners signed up and we’re hoping to see some smashing times and a competitive race at the front, and hear some wonderful stories from the pack about their own road to doing the event and overcoming their individual barriers,” Mr Mayer said. “It’s a huge undertaking for the club to run such a big event, and we couldn’t do it without community support and the sponsors, DFP Recruitment, First National Latrobe Real Estate, WINTV, Gold 1242, Athlete’s Foot Traralgon, Latrobe City and all the businesses that donate over $2000 in spot prizes. We’re really hoping people get behind the 25th running of the event, because with traffic management, setting up official timing, all the effort with volunteers and the amazing organisations, it’s a lot of time, effort and cost to put on, and without our sponsors and volunteers, there is no way an event of this magnitude could happen.” “As a community based club, the Harriers are always looking to give back to our community and encouraging new members to come and experience why the Harriers is such a thriving club, which not only builds fitness and a healthy lifestyle, but also new friendships, social connections and a positive, inclusive environment.” Entries close midnight tomorrow (Thursday, March 23). Enter at traralgonharriers.org.au Entry will be taken on the day but will cost you extra and you’ll need your phone.
