Over 300 competitors will put their speed and agility to the test in the Sapphire City River Run in Inverell on Sunday.
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The speedy challenge is in its ninth year, and will once again see runners and walkers of all ages take on the picturesque course, which begins and ends in Campbell Park.
“A lot of towns have got a running event (but) not many have got it on facilities like we’ve got here, which are good to run on, and the nice park area to have your start and finish,” organiser Alistair Williams said.
“We’re very lucky to have a council that’s provided these facilities so that we can use like this.” He said the event had maintained its popularity over the years due to the course, a positive atmosphere and the camaraderie formed through exercising together.
Hosted by Inverell East Rotary, the proceeds from the run will go towards the Country Women’s Association drought appeal and the Salvation Army drought appeal.
Runners from Glen Innes, Armidale and Moree are expected to face off with local speed lovers, with local Brendan Jones working to maintain or better his 32.13 record in the 9.2km event. Sarah Schiffman holds the female 9.2km record of 35.54, while Glen Innes’ Matthew Campion is the 4.6km star with a time of 14.59 and Xanthe Cogan the female record holder at 18.18.
The course varies in length according to age and ability. Categories for the 9.2km and 4.6km runs include 15 years and under, 20 years and under, 30 years and under, 40 years and under, 50 years and under, 60 years and under and over 60 years, while the 2.5km includes six years and under, eight years and under, 10 years and under, 12 years and under, the open and the non-competitive category.
Leaving at 8.30am, entry into the 9.2km run is $15. The 4.6km run/walk is $10 and leaves at 8.35am, and the 2.5km run/walk leaves at 9.30am, costing $2 for the under 12 junior dash and $5 for the non-competitive category.
“We’ve been able to keep the cost of our event down significantly in comparison to a lot of other events that run in the north west, and for that you have to thank the sponsors, who are just terrific here. Inverell is blessed with people who are very generous,” Williams said.
Organisers prefer online bookings through www.trybooking.com/491712 but late entries will be accepted on the day. Registrations are from 7.30am at Campbell Park, with the race briefing at 8.15am. To learn more, contact Alistair on 0429 709 975.
Naomi Shumack
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
