RUNNERS will race around one of the state’s most famous natural sites during the annual Blue Lake Fun Run this weekend.
Since 2010, the event has attracted thousands of South East residents, including team entries from schools, sporting clubs and workplaces.
The run started as an OPAL initiative, which received overwhelming support from the community, government agencies, non-government organisations and businesses working together to create a strong inaugural event.
The Lakes Rotary Club has been supported by major sponsor OneFortyOne, SA Power Networks and other supporters over the past three years to support the event.
“This year we are expecting even larger participation with already over 48 teams entered and over 900 participants registered,” Lakes Rotary Club committee member Trevor Williams said.
“All the money raised goes to local organisations within the South East.
“Our major beneficiaries for this year include domestic violence, Lifeboat, disadvantaged youth, The Junction and Give Me Five For Kids, as well as other organisations.”
Online registration is now closed, but there is still time for participants to register for the 10.4km, 6.8km or 3.2km courses.
“You are able to register Saturday afternoon between 12pm and 4pm at the Mount Gambier Public Library veranda, where we will giving the vests and the running gear,” Mr Williams said.
“We do not have the facilities, time or man power to give bibs out on Sunday as it will be too chaotic.”
If registration has not occurred within the designated time frame, a late fee will apply.
“To receive the new vest with the electronic sensor you must have been registered by last week, but if registering late you will receive a normal vest like usual,” Mr Williams said.
The event will begin with a 7.30am group warm-up at the Cave Gardens with room for all to participate.
Mr Williams encourages all to participate in the event with 10 minute intervals between the start times for the three courses.
“You do not need to run the course – you can walk it,” he said.
“You can do it on the Zimmer frame if you have to.”
Mr Williams urged participants to note the roads are only closed for 3.5 hours.
“Bay Road and surrounding areas are closed from 7am until 10.30am,” he said.
“If you think you will finish your course after 10.30am you will have to move to the footpath.
“There will be other road users after this time and pedestrian regulations will then have to be followed.”
He said there were various reasons for people competing.
“People are completing the 10.4km course because they want to run it and are looking forward to beating their mates and their time from last year,” he said.
“We have gyms completing the 6.8km course as they want to prove they are fit, they can do it as a team and have fun.
“The 3.2km course is aimed at families and you find parents staggering themselves up the hill as children are running eight to nine kilometres up and back.
“We have parents come out and push their children in prams.
“I recently talked to a couple that could not find anyone to look after their children so they are going to complete the 6.8km course while pushing their children along.”
The female and male winners from 2017 have set tough times to beat.
Male winner Thomas Hynes of Warrnambool beats his record year after year with a time of 33:47.2 seconds in 2017.
Nikki Smart is a South East mother who won the women’s title last year with a time of 38:06.7 seconds.
“People will want to beat Nikki and Thomas,” Mr Williams said.
“Thomas sets the pace and his pace is very fast and Nikki won the year before so I am sure she is hell bent on winning the title again.
“We want people to be up at the pumping station and around the car parks supporting the runners as they go past.”
There will be plenty on offer before and after the race at the Cave Gardens.
“We will also have photograph points for teams that are after a team photo, as well as much more,” Mr Williams said.
The race will begin at 8am Sunday starting from the Cave Gardens with courses progressing up Bay Road, around the Blue Lake and back.
