They’re off in the kids’ sprint. The mix of fun events for families and events for serious competitors is proving a huge success for Up and Running.By Kath Gannaway
THE Warburton Advancement League’s fourth Up and Running event attracted more than double last year’s number of competitors.
WAL president Jesse James said the event was well supported by local families, schools and athletes, but also attracted some very high profile athletes from across Victoria.
“Athletes are marking Up and Running as a must-do fun run not only for the prizes but as a well-organised event and for the beautiful scenery of Warburton and the Yarra Valley.
Mr James said Anna Thompson, the first female over the line in the 10-kilometre run, had been very well placed in the Commonwealth Games and will represent Australia in the Olympic Games in China.
The program featured running and novelty events for children and the CFA got involved with their smoke tent sending a message that in some circumstances, running was not as good as “keeping low and crawling to safety”.
Yellingbo, Millwarra and Warburton schools won shields in the schools competition. The 400m sprint was won by Kieran Towan. 100m sprint winners were Under 6 Ellie Gough, Under 8 Matt Menta, Under 10 Mitchell Loaring, Under 12 Hayden Smith and Under 14 Nick Brookes.
The ‘family friendly’ 5-km walk was won by Doug Fuller and Jacinta Roberts and the 2-km kids’ run was won by Nick Brookes and Caser Wright.
Mr James said the event’s success would not be possible without support from sponsors and thanked the many local businesses that supported the event.
“Sponsorship this year was outstanding ensuring prizes were of a very high standard,” he said.
For major fun-run results see Mail Scoreboard.
