James Murphy
RUNNERS and walkers, young and old will flock to the Cave Gardens in preparation for the 12th annual Blue Lake Fun Run this Sunday.
Once again four distances will be on offer, which cater for all abilities.
That includes those more serious athletes, with the return of the half marathon category which was introduced at last year’s event.
Chair of the Blue Lake Fun Run committee Mark Praolini said everything was in place for another successful day.
“It is all systems go,” he said.
“We have various team prizes on offer and some different prizes for underage kids.
“Everyone gets a medal as per previous years and we have some great sponsors on board.”
Numbers were slightly down on last year at the time of print, but there remained time for late entries with online registrations closing today.
However, Praolini said the half marathon had grown in popularity.
“We have changed the (half marathon) course ever so slightly because of a potential safety risk with alterations to the rail trail,” he said.
“Our numbers are slightly higher than last year for the half marathon which is great.”
The Blue Lake Fun Run has grown into a staple on the Limestone Coast running calendar, while the range of distances allows for most people to be involved.
“Not all have been run by Rotary but it is the 12th Mount Gambier fun run,” Praolini said.
“The first one was in 2010 and then we had two years off because of Covid.
“Last year we had about 650 participants and this year we are slightly down on that.”
Racing will start as early as 7am for the half marathon, while the 10.4km will take off at 8am, followed by the 6.8km (8.15am) and 3.2km (8.30am).
The first finishers of the half marathon are expected to make their way back down Bay Road from 8.20am onwards, while the aim is to have things wrapped up by 11am.
Medal presentations will be held following the event, along with donations to a variety of local charities.
Limestone Coast Domestic Violence Service, Breast Cancer Awareness Group, Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support, Foodbank, Backstage Incorporated and Mount Gambier City Council Disadvantaged Youth Sports Scholarship will all receive funds through these donations.
Praolini thanked the Mount Gambier City Council for its continued support and help in organising the event.
Food, drink and coffee will all be available throughout the morning, with stalls set up in the Cave Gardens precinct.
