Marathon effort

By Kath Gannaway
A PRE-RACE dinner at Lilydale on Saturday 7 November will push the Marysville Marathon off the starting blocks.
The next day, at Gallipoli Park in Marysville, it will be time for the inaugural marathon, with entries so far running close to 1000.
Organisers are hoping many more will be received in an effort to raise funds for Marysville SES, CFA and King Billi Wildlife Shelter.
Runners and walkers can enter online at www.marysvillemarathon.com.au or by downloading an entry form and there is a distance and a pace to suit anyone, from dedicated runners to non-running individuals, family, work, social and sporting groups.
Entertainment is planned from 9am to 3pm, along with a market area, which includes the usual fortnightly Marysville market, display stands and giveaways for kids.
Local businesses within Murrinidindi Shire and a number of larger sporting companies have donated some fantastic prizes to be distributed among the competitors, for winners and as spot prizes at the awards ceremony to be held at 1pm.
Organisers are extending an invitation to the public to be part of the pre-race dinner to be held at Lilydale International, the race sponsor.
Marathon secretary Cassandra Church said the dinner was a tradition in marathon events and bookings were being taken now.
Marysville GP and marathon runner Dr Lachlan Fraser will recount his September 27 effort when he and a fellow runner ran, in chilling wind and rain, the 96km from Marysville to Federation Square to promote the marathon.
He will also talk at the dinner about an earlier epic covering 222 km in one-and-a-half days of running and walking.
Other dinner speakers are two former top shorter distance athletes, including a triple world record holder.
Prizes will be drawn and there will be an auction of a painting, valued at $850, by renowned artist Rose Knight, a mountain bike and an accommodation and activities package in Townsville, provided minimum bids are reached.
Ms Church said the event still needed to raise funds to make the Marathon Festival a success and enable it to continue on an annual basis.
“Any offers of sponsorship will be very welcome and we would be most happy to promote any businesses that come on board,” Ms Church said.
She said more than 1000 entrants were expected for the 3km, 10km, half marathon and marathon, bringing up the total of visitors expected to 3000.
“Television, newspaper and radio stations are all invited, and the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Tim Holding, who will be running the half marathon, and Governor David de Kretser will be among the dignitaries attending,” she said.
Cost for the pre-race dinner is only $30 for a buffet of pasta dishes, salad and dessert. Tables of 10 and single bookings are welcome.
“We want people to just come along to support the Marysville Marathon Festival and help make it a success and to help us raise funds for the local CFA, SES and Kingbilli Wildlife shelter at Taggerty,” Ms Church said.
For details visit www.marysvillemarathon.com.au, inquiries at marysvillerun@gmail.com or phone Ms Church on 0418 538 964 to book.