Bairnsdale parkrun staged its annual Christmas Day event, attracting 86 enthusiastic participants, many dressed in festive attire to match the spirit of the occasion.
There was plenty of fun and frivolity on course as participants completed the picturesque five-kilometre route along the
Mitchell River.
Toby Smith led the field home in 19 minutes and 55 seconds, while Hannah Varder was the first woman to finish, stopping the clock at 23 minutes and 18 seconds.
The Christmas Day run welcomed 11 first-time participants and recorded 12 personal best performances, with runners representing nine different clubs.
Personal bests were recorded by Nic McConachy (21.08), Anthony Stewart (23.08), Clinton Whelan (24.12), Daniel Evans (25.07), Ben Delude (26.47), Trish Delude (27.37), Nicholas Carroll (27.56), Emma Belfield (33.20), Debbie Cupitt (42.33), Jessica Theodore (48.49), Garry Creek (51.04) and Linda Vanduynhoven (51.58).
Clubs represented included East Gippsland Runners, Riviera Triathlon Club, Up ‘n
Active, HIIT Factory, The HIIT Factory Bairnsdale, Wonthaggi Road Runners,
Rockhampton Road Runners, Birdsland Reserve Runners – Run Down Under Team and Traralgon Harriers.
The event was made possible through the efforts of volunteers Stacey Ashley, Pauline Bommer, Robyn Kerscher, Janine Bromwich, Ricky Papenburg, Sharon Sanderson, Jacqui Shannon and Clare Stone.
