President of the Rutherglen Rotary Club, Phillip Nickson, said that this year’s event, in its 35th annual year, was somewhat of a renewal for the run which raises money for Rotary’s campaign – Lift the Lid on Mental Illness.
“The success of the event was not only measured in a resurgence in participation, with around 150 people of all ages and abilities taking part, but also by the money raised for Australian Rotary Health’s Lift the Lid on Metal Illness,” he said.
“The money will go towards mental health research and ultimately improve the lives of all Australians.”
Donations are still being tallied, with an official figure to be confirmed soon.
Male winner of the 10km classic event was Kevin Muller in a time of 39 minutes, 27 seconds.
Jacinta Marriot finished in 48 minutes, 34 seconds to be first home of the female runners.
The 5km run winners were Gerard Lynch, finishing in 20 minutes, five seconds, and Hannah Kelly who completed the course in 24 minutes, 22 seconds.
The 10km run passed through the Willows Reserve and Wahgunyah River Trails, while the 5km run and walk followed the River Trails, in what was a significantly different course from previous years.
“The Rotary Club members thought that the new venue and course for this year was a winner with the runners, walkers, their families and friends,” Mr Nickson said.
“Feedback from both participants and spectators was very encouraging. We particularly noted comments about the natural beauty of the course and the picturesque views of the local countryside, vineyards and the Murray River”.
Mr. Nickson said many of the run and the 5km walk participants mentioned that they had not visited the area previously and expressed surprise at the natural variety of vegetation and bird life.
In discussing the new venue for the Muscat Run Mr Nickson said that, “Starting and finishing the Muscat Run at Cofield Wines provided the opportunity for all to enjoy food and drink options, as well as live music and entertainment for children.”
“We were able to provide a fun day for the whole family with prizes including bottles of local Rutherglen Muscat to the winners and a commemorative wine glass to the winner and runner-up in each of the Run categories. Junior winners and runner-up place getters received a water bottle. All runners and walkers received an Uncle Tobys bag containing a selection of products including porridges and muesli bars kindly provided by Uncle Tobys .”
The Rutherglen Rotary Club would like to thank its sponsors, supporters and volunteers including Winemakers of Rutherglen, Cofield Wines, Uncle Tobys, SES Rutherglen, Indigo Shire Council, Rutherglen Police and with special thanks to Destination Rutherglen’s Alexandra Campbell for assistance in event planning and valuable advice. Social media was managed by Propel Digital.
Mr Nickson said Rutherglen Rotary are exploring the possibility of adding a longer trail for next year’s event and hopes the Muscat Run continues to grow in popularity.
“we’re looking at the possibility of expanding the course for a longer run next year,” he said.
“Our club members hope all those who took part in the day enjoyed themselves and that they will come again next year, help spread the word and recommend the event to family and friends”.
For those wishing to make a tax deductible donation to Australian Rotary Health, a link can be found on the Rutherglen Rotary Club website: www.rutherglenrotary.org
