Fun run draws hundreds

HUNDREDS took to the streets last Friday to navigate the 5.92-kilometre stretch between Noorat and Terang as part of the Terang and District Lions Fun Run Walk.

By wd-news

Still a winner: The Terang and District Lions Club’s 42nd annual Noorat to Terang Fun Run and Walk drew hundreds of entries last Friday to mark another successful year.

Around 380 people took part in this year’s annual event after a nervous wait for organisers.

The day prior included scorching 36-degree temperatures while Friday morning was colder than usual with strong winds, however Terang and District Lions co-organiser Stephen O’Connor said conditions improved at just the right time.

“We’re all really happy with how everything went,” he said.

“Going in to it the wind was quite strong so we were worried about that and creating slower times, but the wind died down at the perfect time.

“We had a really good number of entries. Numbers were excellent.”

The Noorat to Terang Fun Run and Walk again proved a popular community affair.

Local students donned their athletic gear to take part while employees at businesses, members of Terang Fitness, doctors at Terang Medical Clinic and players at sporting clubs across the region embraced the opportunity to run or walk together.

“Things went smoothly,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It seemed to be a positive vibe for the night.

“We appreciate (South West Coast MP) Roma Britnell, who officially started the walk, participated herself and helped out with medal presentations.”

Mr O’Connor thanked the team of volunteers who pitched in on the night.

“We’re very fortunate,” he said.

“Also thank you to Justin Staunton (affectionately known as ‘The voice of the fun run’) who does a great job with commentary and MC responsibility every year; his local knowledge is second to none.”

Ms Britnell was not the only politician pounding the pavement, with former Corangamite MP Stewart McArthur, and husband to current Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur, crossing the line at the age of 86.

Mr McArthur, a long-time lover of long distance running, said he plans to continue making the trek from Noorat to Terang until his 90th birthday.

Warrnambool’s Ben Wallis took out the overall winner in the men’s category this year, while Camperdown’s Elle Price claimed victory in the women’s category.