Perfect conditions greeted runners at last Saturday’s Bairnsdale parkrun, attracting the equal biggest field in the event’s 10-year history.
An impressive 165 participants completed the five-kilometre course along the picturesque Mitchell River, matching the turnout from the inaugural run on Saturday, March 12, 2016.
Among the field were 44 first-time runners, while 27 others achieved personal best times. Ethan Sanderson led the runners home for the second consecutive week, finishing in 18 minutes 20 seconds, with Cara Foot (20:01) the first female finisher. Personal bests were also recorded by Cain Lestrange (18:38), Teagan Smullen (20:39), John Joe Gorman (20:51), Clinton Whelan (23:33), Julia Goh (23:34), Emmet Evans (25:10), Flynn Ashworth (25:42), John Tan (26:01), Anna Gooch-Andrew (26:05), Vaughan Evans (26:16), Ben Dulude (26:34), Zoe Lawson (28:38), Finlay Van Polfliet (28:46), Laura McConville (28:56), Carrie Priestley (29:14), Tanya Hall (29:15), Bethany Hickey (29:36), Nicola Morris (31:06), Steven
Macciolli (33:16), Ella Theodore (33:32), Beverley Duffy (44:03), Shirley Brown (45:24), Tara Bird (45:39), Rosie Stephens (48:14), Denielle Campbell (48:15), Madeleine Ashley (48:21), and Melissa Young (58:58).
Numerous running groups were represented, including East Gippsland Runners, Riviera Triathlon Club, Traralgon Harriers, Melbourne Pack, TXR Runners, Peninsula Trail Runners, VCHC Devils, Team T-Rex Triathlon, Knox Triathlon Club, and Wynfit. The event was supported by volunteers Clare Stone, David Ashworth, Glenda Leigh, Janine Bromwich, Robyn Harcourt, Stacey Ashworth, and Tristan Hennessy.
The Bairnsdale parkrun departs at 8am each Saturday and welcomes participants to run, jog, or walk for fitness, fun, and camaraderie.
