Peach’s run for positive mental health

AN inaugural fun run in memory of the late James ‘Peach’ Petrie will take off this spring.

The teacher and sportsman’s family and friends are leading the Peach’s Run initiative, set for Saturday 11 November.

Established to benefit the Ballarat Foundation’s new James Petrie Fund for good mental health, the run and carnival will take place at Lake Wendouree, with an event hub at St Patrick’s Point.

Mr Petrie’s close friend Beau Adams said the fitness challenge will see teams tackle 33 laps of the Steve Moneghetti Track.

“Thirty-three holds a special meaning,” he said. “James wore the number 33 for Waubra footy club and was 33 years old when we lost him.

“We’ve got two entry types, the supporter entrants who can run or walk the first six kilometres of Peach’s Run, and the team event for those who are willing and able to be in a team of 11 or more.

“The teams will conquer a combined 33 laps, which is 198 kilometres all up, and will take a few hours.

“While that’s happening, at the event hub there’ll be celebrations, activities, food, much-needed coffee, and mental health program activations to drive education and awareness.”

Ballarat Foundation CEO Andrew Eales said the James Petrie Fund will aim to back local initiatives focusing on good mental health in the community, particularly amongst young people.

“We have an opportunity to positively respond to these issues of mental illness, and we’re particularly grateful for the support of James’ family, friends, and the Ballarat community, getting behind this fund,” he said.

“All funds donated will be used to support responses to mental health issues and to help with youth engagement in the Ballarat region.

“We believe that’s an incredibly positive way of creating a great legacy in James’ name.”

A beloved sports and outdoor education teacher at Ballarat High School, Mr Petrie lost his battle with depression in 2022.

His sister Emma Petrie said he was deeply embedded in the city’s sporting and educational communities.

“James kept very fit and was well-known for being a lover of a physical challenge,” she said. “We believe the run will be a great fit to honour him.

“He had a lot of involvement with Ballarat soccer and footy clubs… with secondary schools, and youth engagement.

“He enabled the first Ballarat High School Kokoda Trail trek to happen, and was involved with boarding houses at St Pat’s College and Ballarat Grammar.

“We believe this event will help bring all these people together, not just to support each other, but to help raise funds for the James Petrie Fund, supporting mental health needs in Ballarat.”

Visit peachsrun.com to register for the event.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, visit beyondblue.org.au or call their 24/7 hotline on 1300 22 4636. You can also visit lifeline.org.au or call them on 13 11 14 and help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or by calling them on 1800 55 1800.