THE 10th annual OneFortyOne Plantations Blue Lake Fun Run attracted more than 1000 entrants and has been labelled as a success by the Lakes Rotary Club.
Despite inclement weather, the family friendly event attracted strong numbers and raised more than $20,000 for local charities and causes.
Limestone Coast Domestic Violence Service, Mount Gambier City Council Disadvantage Youth Sports Scholarship award, South East Junction, Lifeboat SE and the breast cancer awarenesss group all received significant funding from the event.
Lakes Rotary Club president Trevor Williams said the event ran well considering the weather, with all participants and supporters enjoying themselves.
“I think the times of the winners were incredible and what impressed me was when they were sprinting around the corner eager to finish the race,” Mr Williams said.
“I also think the amount of money we were able to put back into the community is fantastic.
“This is why we as a Rotary Club do this, everything we do is for the community and not always just to raise money but also to build, fund and organise community events and bring the community together.”
Penola resident Justin McDonald was the first person to reach the finish line in the 10.4km category, running the course in 36 minutes and 48 seconds.
For the second year in a row, Lucindale’s Nikki Smart was awarded second place with a time just over 40 minutes.
Mr McDonald said the event was fantastic despite the windy conditions and congratulated all who participated.
“On a personal note between just Nikki and myself we have actually had tight tussles in this race and she has always managed to beat me at the end so I finally got over the top which is really nice,” he said.
“It was a lot of pressure but it was a really good run and a very enjoyable event.”
Ms Smart also congratulated all the participants and said she enjoyed the event.
“I have run in the event almost every year except for a few in the middle there and every year it is so well organised and such an enjoyable experience,” Ms Smart said.
“I would also like to thank the sponsors and the volunteers because without this the event would not run.”
In the 6.8km section, Amechai Bawden secured first place with a time of 25 minutes and 23 seconds with Staci Faulkner coming in first in the female section on 32 minutes and 57 seconds.
The 3.2km race resulted in James Allen claiming the top spot in the male section with a time of 13 minutes and 8 seconds, with Maggie Collins leading the females on 14 minutes and 36 seconds.
Mr Williams said the overall day was successful and would have been even better with more sunshine.
“We will start planning for next year’s event in the new year,” he said.
“It was a great day to mark the 10th anniversary and we did highlight that fact.
“In spite of the weather, it was a great day to celebrate a decade of fun running.”
Mr Williams said the committee was on the hunt for sponsors for next year’s run and encouraged businesses and community members to jump on board.
“Any business and other bodies who would like to support us can contact any of the Rotary Club members for further information,” he said.
“We are grateful to all who sponsored and helped us, even the large and small sponsors and those who have helped over the past decade as well as the committee members and volunteers who helped on the day.”
