THE OneFortyOne Plantations (OFO) Blue Lake Fun Run has been labelled an “outstanding success” with runners, joggers and walkers of all ages and backgrounds completing the course in cool weather conditions on Sunday morning.
Hosted by Lakes Rotary Club of Mount Gambier, the event was well supported by the local community, with over 900 people participating in the run over varying distances – 10.4km, 6.8km and 3.2km.
Slightly windy conditions did not deter people from putting in their best efforts as runners of all types charged up the hill on Bay Road when the horn sounded to start the event at around 8am.
Lakes Rotary Club president Graham Robinson said he was pleased the event was well-supported by the community.
“It was such a vibrant event and I just think it was an outstanding success on Sunday,” Mr Robinson said.
“It was particularly pleasing to see the smiles on children’s faces as they ran the journey and turned the corner at the top of the hill on the final stretch to the finish line.”
A highlight for a number of runners and walkers was the live music played by Mount Gambier City Band and other artists along the journey.
“In my opinion this is one of the best organised events held in the city and one of the reasons for that is the atmosphere that is created,” Mr Robinson said.
The event also raised significant funds for a number of organisations with cheques handed out at the conclusion of the event to the Limestone Coast Domestic Violence Service, South East Junction and Mount Gambier City Council.
“This is the first time we have presented cheques on the day because we wanted to give the public an understanding of where the money was going and why,” Mr Robinson said.
“A number of schools were also lucky enough to receive $500 for their participation in the fun run.”
After reaching a deal earlier this year to sponsor the Blue Lake Fun Run for three years, OFO staff were out in force to run the course.
OFO general manager Willie Van Niekerk sounded the horn to send the 10.4km participants on their way before preparing to participate in the 3.2km journey.
“Unfortunately I was way slower than I thought I would be, I got pretty tired,” Mr Van Niekerk said.
“Despite that, it was an outstanding event and a great opportunity to get the community together in one place.”
Mr Van Niekerk said OFO was looking forward to continuing its commitment to the event for the next two years.
“I was just amazed by the sense of excitement it created and I cannot wait until next year,” he said.
With the event now over, Mr Robinson said he was grateful to the sponsors and the Blue Lake Fun Run committee for the tireless hours contributed to making it a success.
“A lot of work goes in and I have to thank the many volunteers, but also the many sponsors, big and small, because it would not be possible without them,” he said.
“We will look to make the event even bigger and better in 2018.”
