STAFF WRITERS
THE 25th DFP Recruitment Latrobe City Community Fun Run and Walk was held Sunday, March 26, with a great turnout from the community and representation from schools and organisations across Latrobe.
There was some speedy times in the five kilometre event, with Wellington runner Chris Dwyer stopping the clock at 18:34, followed by Dempsey Podmore from the Traralgon Harriers (19:01) in second and Marcus Solly finishing third in 19:39. In the women’s race the Harriers took a clean sweep, with Narelle Crozier first with a time of 19:58, Sarah Lewis second (20:59) and Liz Kenney third (23:36). In the under 17 section, Dwyer was first male with Lily Marazzata first female (26:29). In the Open (18-39), Brendan Evans (20:06) came first and Lewis was first female. The 40-49 section was won by Bill Barry in 19:49 and Crozier was first female. The 50-59 section was hotly contested, with Harrier Darrell Cross winning in 20:23, with Kenney first female. The 60+ division was won by Gary Fox in 25:01 and Mandy Ellis first female in 31:36. In the kids 12 and under 1.5km, Lilijah Deveson won the girls in 7:02, followed by Vivienne Crozier and Anastasia Dwyer, while boys winner Patrick Manning ran the course in 6:24, followed by William Breheny and Matthew Xiao. Traralgon Harriers Club president Phill Mayer thanked all who made the day a succcess. “It was another fantastic day for the club, with a solid turnout enjoying the Kernot Hall and Waterhole Creek course,” he said. “There were some top times and an exciting race at the front of the field, but there were some marvellous achievements throughout the participants. Running or walking 5kms is a big deal for many people, and the club is proud to provide an opportunity for the community to get involved in an event like this”. Plaques were awarded for the greatest number in a team to Kurnai College for the sixth year in a row for the school team, while major sponsor of the event DFP won the plaque for largest business team. The Traralgon Harriers clearly won the sports club plaque. “We challenge other clubs, football and netball teams especially, to get out and take up the plaque,” Mr Mayer saud. “We want to see sporting organisations get behind this event, which is fantastic for the community, and also raises money for Rotary Centenary House, which is the cancer support facility at Latrobe Regional Hospital. “There are not many regions that have a facility like this, and it takes money to run. If we didn’t have it here in Latrobe, people would have to travel to Melbourne for treatment, we think it’s a worthy cause to get behind and raise money for. Everyone knows someone affected by cancer. The Harriers is proud that we’ve raised over $30,000 just in the last six years, and we’ll do the acquittal this week to see how much we raised this year. “It’s always heartening to see all the wonderful organisations that get out and support the event, either by participating or being a part of the festival-style hub, providing massages or food, displays of shoes or volunteering to make the event run smoothly. “We have an incredible community in Latrobe, and the Harriers are motivated to give and contribute, providing opportunities for all to be involved in living a healthy lifestyle, irrelevant of speed or running ability. We run weekly club runs, about eight weekend events including the Traralgon Marathon which is coming up in June, and our AV team”. The Traralgon Harriers runs every Thursday night, and is about to start its winter season. “We welcome people to come and have a run with us, whether you’re a social and recreational runner, or want to run at Athletics Victoria,” Mr Mayer said. “The club caters for and supports all levels, and is a supportive club with a great social aspect and a strong inclusive culture”. Find out more about the Traralgon Harriers by visiting their Facebook page or their new website which recently launched at traralgonharriers.au
