RUNNING
The starting gun for the running of the famous Traralgon Marathon will sound for the 51st time this Sunday when the oldest running festival goes around for another year.
After celebrating half a century of marathons in 2017, the much-loved event is set to once again attract entrants from all walks of life.
Race director Phill Mayer said this year’s festivities were taking shape in exciting fashion.
“It was a huge celebration last year and a real sort of carnival-like atmosphere and we’re looking to emulate that again and build upon that this year,” Mayer said.
“We’ve got over 300 entries to this point and a lot of people really know this as the friendly marathon, so people come and turn up just because of the atmosphere and the welcoming and the support that the club puts in.”
As well as the marquee marathon event, there will also be a half marathon, 10-kilometre run and children’s event which will be run over two kilometres.
“We’re hoping to get even more entries, between 80-100,” Mayer said.
“It’s a really fantastic, fun event and it’s catered really well and put on lots of great food afterwards, which is a great drawcard.
“Come and run 10 kilometres then come and have a sausage and hopefully the weather is beautiful.”
Sunday’s forecast is for a top of 14 with a slight chance of showers, but long-time Harrier Barry Higgins recalls occasions the weather wasn’t so cooperative.
“We’re praying for good weather and it’s looking reasonable but there have been some horrendous marathons over the years,” Higgins said.
“Back in the first couple, the Traralgon Creek Bridge at the bottom of Franklin Street was under water and half the field withdrew through hypothermia and the other half waded through it.
“Provided it’s not too rainy and windy, you soon warm up.”
This year’s marathon will start and finish at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve and plenty of runners are expected to flock from near and far to take part.
“There are people from out of town, from all over Melbourne, across Victoria and around Australia, and we even get some overseas runners, so there will be some interesting ones I’m sure,” Higgins said.
“There are some people who have won it once, twice and even more and are coming back and want to add to their trophy shelf.
“It’s going to be not only a great sporting event but a great social occasion as well for the community.”
Last year’s men’s winner, Ryan Wissmer, will not run this year after a torrid run of minor injuries but Buln Buln farmer Peter Cutler is among the race favourites and ran third in 2017.
Reigning women’s champion Kylie-Anne Richards from NSW will attempt defend her title against Sunshine Coast’s Heahheah Heah who finished four minutes behind Richards last year.
For more information or to register for an event at this year’s Traralgon Marathon, visit traralgonmarathon.org.au.
