Leura Park hosts ‘grapest’ run

THE sixth instalment of the Grapest 5km run returned to Leura Park Estate last Saturday (April 20) where wine and exercise collided.

Around 180 people descended on the estate, dressing up for the occasion in a range of costumes and outfits as they completed the course.

Participants had the option of running 10 kilometres or five kilometres through the winery, navigating the dams and vineyards then taking part in the wine waddle.

The wine waddle included eight tasting stations and was a one-kilometre walk.

Event Director Peter Manning said it was a great day with a number of repeat participants who have come to all six events.

“It’s a lovely event, it’s a unique chance to run through the vineyards and the winery then finishing off with the now famous wine waddle.”

All fitness levels took part in the event and this year for the first time the majority of participants completed the 10-kilometre run.

Mr Manning believes that the event is popular because it’s not timed and all about people enjoying themselves with wine being the main attraction.

“It’s the mums mainly getting away from the kids, and sometimes the husbands to just get the girls together and have a great day out,” he said.

“It’s about going through the vineyards, having that one-off experience, then having some fresh air followed by some wines.”

To end the day participants came together to enjoy food, wine and live music throughout the afternoon.

Plans for next years event are already underway where it’s set to return for the seventh time.