A CHANGE of course will set the Traralgon Marathon on a venture through Victory Park for the first time next month.
About 800 participants are expected to run through the park as part of the 49th annual marathon on Sunday, 5 June.
The heavy foot traffic has Traralgon Harriers Athletics Club president Will Hanrahan issuing a word of caution.
“We’ve never used this course for the marathon before so we want to make the public aware,” Hanrahan said.
“Ultimately the park is used by the general public a lot and that’s great, we just ask people to be on the look out for runners coming through between 7am and 1pm.”
The general public is asked to remain off the park’s paths during the event, while also keeping clear of the highway underpass.
“The bridge is a real issue – it’s narrow with a bit of a dip,” Hanrahan said.
“We’ll have marshals stationed at these areas but we want the public to be on the look out – the last thing we want is for someone to get hurt.”
Other changes to this year’s event include a new starting and finishing point at Traralgon Recreation Reserve.
Hanrahan said this change would provide participants with access to change rooms and hot showers post-event, something “well deserved”.
The 21.1 kilometre half marathon will take runners to Glengarry and back, while the 42.2km main event will see participants head to Toongabbie.
The 10km course leads competitors from the recreation reserve, along Franklin Street to the turn around point at Marshall’s Road, Traralgon.
A 2.2km kids’ race is also on offer.
Hanrahan encouraged residents of all abilities to participate in one of the events, with all money raised going to Latrobe Regional Hospital.
“The 10km is a marathon for walkers if you like. Most people can walk 10km so I’d encourage everyone to get out there and support the hospital,” he said.
Organisers are hoping to top last year’s fundraising effort of $15,500.
On Saturday, 4 June participants will gather for an evening meal at Traralgon Football Netball Club from 6pm.
Post event, the footy club will open its bar from noon for drinks and light refreshments.
Online registrations close Thursday, 2 June, with some late entries available on race day at an additional cost.
More information about the event can be found at www.traralgonmarathon.org.au
