THE oldest country marathon in Australia will return for its 48th edition in Traralgon on 21 June.
Traralgon Harriers and Latrobe Regional Hospital launched the 2015 Traralgon Marathon last week, with a goal to crack 1000 entrants this year.
Given the previous event attracted 800 runners and walkers, raising $17,500 for LRH’s Mental Health Appeal, Harriers president Will Hanrahan is confident of another huge day.
“We’re really pumped, we think it’s going to be a big year,” Hanrahan said.
“It’s the oldest current marathon in Australia and we like to refer to it as the friendly marathon, because there is a wonderful country feel about it… it’ll be a great event.”
Tracing the same course as last year, the event features a full 42 kilometre marathon, half marathon, 10km run and will debut something special for the younger crowd.
“We’re also this year going to throw in a kids’ marathon, which is not a full marathon for them… they’ll just be doing the last little bit which will be a wonderful thing,” Hanrahan said.
Organisers are hopeful the recent introduction of Park Run in Traralgon may help attract people to tackle the shorter distances.
The global initiative offers free 5km-timed runs through parkland at locations all around the world, which tracks results and encourages people to stay active.
“Park Run is taking off, it’s a wonderful thing for the community and it’s getting people physically active which is the main thing,” Hanrahan said.
“Not only from the Traralgon Park Run, but I think the other Park Runs across Gippsland that there’s every likelihood we’ll see more enter the 10km.”
The money raised from this year’s event will again be donated to LRH.
The hospital will use the money for special projects and equipment purchases.
LRH board of directors chair Kellie O’Callaghan said the Traralgon Marathon was a fantastic way to promote health and wellbeing.
“It certainly is a wonderful community event for everyone to be involved in and the Harriers have been such great supporters of the hospital and more broadly the community in getting people involved in healthy activities,” she said.
Entries are now open for the Traralgon Marathon, with an earlybird discount rate available for a limited time.
For more information or to register visit www.traralgonmarathon.org.au
Where: Traralgon Tennis Association, Davidson Street, Traralgon
When: Sunday 21 June 2015
Time: Start from 8am
Events: 48th Traralgon Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km and kids’ ‘marathon’.
