Sun sets on Bellarine fun run

Pat Hagan crosses the line first in the Bellarine Sunset Run main event. Photos: Michael Chambers

A record-breaking number of participants put foot to pavement at the weekend in a specially themed love edition of the Bellarine Sunset Run on Saturday.

More than 1,700 competitors raced across three race disciplines in beautiful sunshine on the Bellarine, marking Valentine’s Day in style.

The 10km main event had more than 700 entries and was taken out by Natalie McCabe and Pat Hagan.

The half marathon tested the endurance of racers from all over the state, with top honours going to Tim Dooley and Sara Wylie.

Tim Dooley crosses the line first in the half marathon.

Another 250 children and 300 adults took on a 4km Bully Busters course, which started from Bellarine Sunset Run HQ in front of the Portarlington Pier before going in the opposite direction along the Bellarine Coastal Trail, passing the caravan park on the water’s edge before turning back at the miniature railway.

Donna Marwick cartwheeling over the line.

The event was a complete sell-out and again promoted the link between physical fitness and mental health.

Race director Dion Milne said it was a fantastic day of racing for all involved.

Organiser Dion Milne sets the half marathon racers.

“It just went amazingly, the weather was perfect and the feedback from our competitors was just terrific.

“We had a whole heap of new winners on the podium which was a great result. It was fantastic to see so many new faces taking on the event.

“All the races had their highlights, but it was extra special to see great grandmas, kids in strollers, and plenty of couples running together on Valentines Day.”