Another impressive turnout was recorded at last Saturday’s Bairnsdale parkrun, with 147 participants tackling the scenic five-kilometre course along the Mitchell River.
Participants took part in a mix of running, jogging and walking, enjoying the course for both fitness and recreation.
The field was led home by renowned triathlete Brendan Sexton in 19 minutes three seconds, while the first female finisher was his partner, another talented triathlete, Charlotte McShane (20.47).
The event welcomed 44 first-time participants and recorded 18 personal best performances. Runners achieving personal bests included Luis Wilson (19.41), Sam Handley-Macciolli (23.25), Jacqueline Ross (25.45), Paul Kotlarewski (25.51), Ayla Buckley (27.12), Lachlan Morgan (28.07), Scott Joustra (28.30), Brett Jewell (28.39), Liz Smith (29.57), Carrie Priestly (30.58), Alice Hand (31.17), Lily Jewell (31.36), Lisa Kotlarewski (32.23), Brenda Stritch (32.38), Geoff Stritch (44.29), Shellie Ricardo (44.44), Robbie Hebbard (47.21) and Melissa Young (61.04).
Clubs represented included Riviera Triathlon Club, The HIIT Factory Bairnsdale, Crosbie Crew, East Gippsland Runners, Shepparton Tri Club, Hobson’s Bay Running Club, TXR Runners, HIIT Factory, Team Runna, Beersheeba Chargers, Ivanhoe Harriers, Achilles Running Club Melbourne, Diamond Creek Runners, Team Veteran, Lalor Running Club, Parkrun World Tourists and Knox Triathlon Club.
The weekly event was made possible by the efforts of volunteers Pauline Bommer, Campbell Sanderson, Chad Bromely, Mali Bromley, Lynee Kahsnitz, Catherine Pike, John Theodore and Brian Wallace.
Bairnsdale parkrun has been running since March 12, 2016, and takes place every Saturday, departing at 8am.
