Pictures: STEVE CHAPPLE PHOTOGRAPHY
RACING returned to the Millicent racecourse over the weekend when community members tied up their laces and took on the track for a fun, fitness event.
Hosted by the Millicent Runners Club, the inaugural Millicent Mile challenged people of all ages and abilities to run, walk or jog 1.6km around the course.
Around 100 spectators and participants flocked to the racecourse on Sunday for the event, which was initiated by Millicent Business Community Association member Lee Morgan and Millicent Racing Club’s Brenton McMillan.
The idea behind the event was to promote the Millicent Cup and provide people with the opportunity to enjoy a combination of fitness, family, fun and food for several hours.
Mr Morgan said it was a relaxed event that created new community based partnerships between education, sporting, business and council.
“From an association perspective it is a great way of strengthening the social and business fabric of the town with the use of existing infrastructure and capacity of our various groups with a focus on families,” Mr Morgan said.
“They were plenty of people remarking they never knew these facilities were in the town.
“It was fantastic to see the kids and school children being introduced to running and this is great for little athletics and sporting organisations including the Millicent Runners.
“An experience like this at an early age can influence their cardiovascular health throughout their life.
“I really appreciate the assistance of Toni Duka and students from the St Anthony’s school in assisting with the registration.
“The cake stall from the McArthur Park Kindergarten was marvellous and together with the barbecue from the Millicent Racing Club and coffee from DK Cruisin things worked well.
“I also thank Mark Dwyer from the Millicent Racing Club and community stalwart Sandy Melrose for their assistance, St John Ambulance for their presence, South East Property and Sales Management for their marquee and Steve Chapple from the council for his support before and during the event.”
Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll said the race was a great concept to use the facilities and there were plenty of ideas, which could be worked on for next year including a competition between sporting groups.
“This is yet another example of the community working together and Millicent is becoming renowned for its family friendly focus that includes the Children’s Road Safety Centre, the Domain Playground, the skate park and of course the Swimming Lake,” he said.
