Rail Trail Run braces for bumper edition

ONE of the Bellarine’s longest-running fun runs returns to the region this Father’s Day for a 21st year.

The annual Bellarine Rail Trail Run will welcome more than 250 registered participants to its course this Sunday, September 1 raising vital funds for Geelong Athletics.

Brett Coleman has organised the event for the past two decades. He said the run was one of the Bellarine’s most unique events, because of its inviting atmosphere and trademark train ride to the start line for runners.

“A lot of people use this race as a warm-up for the Sydney Marathon in a few weeks’ time and then the Melbourne Marathon again later in the year, but overall the atmosphere it creates continues to be its major drawcard.

“This year’s registrations have been encouragingly solid, that reflects partly the running boom at the moment, but we’re seeing approximately between 260-280 runners registered for this year’s event.”

Mr Coleman said minimal funding went to athletics in the region compared to other sports, which highlighted the importance of the proceeds raised from entry fees each year.

The proceeds go towards different areas of the athletics club from year-to-year, assisting financially for things like equipment, infrastructure and more commonly memberships to either Geelong Athletics or Athletics Australia.

Funds can sometimes go towards hiring transport vehicles so local athletes can attend events further away from home.

“The purpose of this event, the funds that are raised for Geelong Athletics, is something athletes across Geelong really rely on,

“They’re extremely grateful for the advocacy this event provides, and the efforts made by the runners each year.”

Runners can take on two distances at this year’s run, either the return journey (34km) or one way (17km) from Queenscliff to Drysdale.

For those running 17km, they can ride one of the Bellarine Railway’s popular trains from Queenscliff to the Drysdale start line as part of special services.

Aid stations and mobile setups will be located along the course, hosted by the run’s supporters including Steigen and The Running Company.

For more on the Bellarine Rail Trail Run and how to get involved, head to brtrun.com.au