Fun on the run

By Kath Gannaway
TWO months out from the Marysville Marathon Festival, runners, walkers and volunteers are being encouraged to sign up and help make the event a success.
Marysville resident and GP, Dr Lachlan Fraser staged the first Marysville Marathon Festival back in 2009 to help rebuild the community after Black Saturday.
Last year the event attracted 1500 competitors and brought hundreds more into the town, many making it a family weekend away.
The Marysville Marathon Festival will be held on Sunday, 27 November.
“This one-day event is a fun day for runners, walkers and volunteers, and an opportunity for Victorians to show their support as the town rebuilds,” Dr Fraser said.
The RACV is onboard again sponsoring the event for a second year.
RACV Insurance Acting General Manager, Bob McGuinness, said RACV was delighted to provide support to the Marysville community and encouraged its members and others to show their support.
“The Marysville Marathon Festival is a popular event that arouses great community spirit amongst local residents,” Mr McGuinness said.
He said it was also a great opportunity for people to see first-hand how far the town and its people had come since the fires.
Events are the 50km ultra marathon, 42km marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km run or walk and the 4km run or walk – providing an event for all ages and fitness levels.
The events finish at Gallipoli Park where the festival atmosphere will take over with inspiring local steel drum band Pans on Fire performing live, family entertainment and food and drink stalls.
Volunteers are critical to the success of the event and will be needed for various activities throughout the morning. To volunteer, or for more information on the marathon, visit marysvillemarathon.com.au to register.