Emergency run

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
MORE than 400 runners converged on Warburton to take part in the annual fun run.
This year was the ninth Warburton Up and Running event, which saw donations for the local emergency services double.
The shady banks of the Yarra River kept the runners cool and the rain held off compared to last year’s event.
Volunteer Sue Hoffman said it was a great day with lots of positive feedback.
“Everyone had a good fun day, and it was nice to see so many runners hanging around in the cafes afterwards for lunch,” she said.
“The highlight for me was on the registration form – we give people an opportunity to donate to the Warburton CFA and Upper Yarra SES, and this year we close to doubled the amount with $410 going to each of them.”
Runners came from near and far, one former Yarra Valley runner who moved to Sydney came down especially for the event, which saw some great prizes on offer including the 10km race winner receiving $500 cash and an accommodation voucher for Charnwood Cottages.
Ms Hoffman said the local sponsorship had been really strong again this year which was encouraging.
She said there were a few new volunteers but lots of the regulars had come back again to lend a hand.
“It takes an army of volunteers to organise the day and they always do a good job,” she said.
Healesville’s Riley Kennedy took out the under 18 race in 37 minutes and 56 seconds, and the female was Casey Wright with 23 minutes and 15 seconds.
The top three in the 10km run were Benjamin Ashkettle, Paul Munro and Jay Phillpotts, and in the females Anna Thompson, Tracey Austin and Rebecca Rosel.