By Kath Gannaway
THE countdown is on to one of Warburton’s most enduring community events, theWarburton Up and Running Fun Run on Sunday, 26 February.
Last year more than 700 people ran and walked in the event, which has become an annual pilgrimage for serious runners and for families and casual walkers just out to enjoy the atmosphere of the big run in the beautiful surrounds of Warburton.
Events include a 2km kids’ run, 5km walk, 5km run, 10km run and a half-marathon. The half-marathon competitors all receive a finisher’s medallion.
Organisers are aiming to break records both in terms of money raised and entries and there are lots of incentives behind that aim.
Yarra Valley tourism have come on board this year providing giveaways on the day and filming the course for promotion on their website.
There are accommodation prize packages from Oscars on the River, the RACV Country Club and Warburton Holiday Park and the Killara Wine team’s event based on total team mileage, not times, so every team has a chance to win prizes.
“This is a terrific motivator for a bunch of friends or work colleagues to enter one of the events,” said race director Lesley Grimes.
The event supports the CFA brigades and SES who Ms Grimes said do amazing work within the Upper Yarra communities and who will be helping out on the day as volunteer marshals and in other roles, including the popular SES kids’ warm-up.
One of the great drawcards is the course itself. Running alongside the Yarra River and through towering Mountain Ash forests, it is rated as one of the most scenic runs in Australia.
Enter online, or on the day (cash only).
For more information visit www.warburtonupandrunning.com.au.
