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<\/p>\nAFTER facing delays, this year\u2019s Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run took off with four hundred competitors.<\/p>\n
The event usually attracts more than 1,000 runners but had a reduced capacity as a result of the snap Victorian lockdown, which saw the race cancelled one hour before handing out bibs.<\/p>\n
Event manager Dion Milne said they decided to reschedule five weeks later but several refunds had to be provided.<\/p>\n
The March 20 event still attracted a talented pool of competitors with interstate runners competing. \u201cWe had people come down from Queensland, who can come down the first time and then returned,\u201d Mr Milne said.<\/p>\n
In previous years the event has generated half a million dollars for the region with runners being encouraged to stay on the Bellarine Peninsula.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe felt obliged to still hold something even though a lot of events would have cancelled after the heartbreak of the lockdown,\u201d Mr Milne said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe felt like we owed it to the region and to the people.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the race maintained its charm and breath taking panoramic views of the You Yangs and Melbourne city over the coast, it took a different approach.<\/p>\n
Competitors had the choice between a 10km run or half marathon with the usual 4km charity event absent from the line up to abide by COVIDSafe guidelines.<\/p>\n
Under COVID-19 rules, runners were directed to wear a mask for the first 200 metres before competitors could begin to socially distance.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIt was pretty special to be able to say \u2018Look at the Bellarine, we are still doing the right thing\u2019,\u201d Mr Milne said.<\/p>\n
The big winners on the day came from Ocean Grove with three out of four Sunset run champions residing in the coastal town.<\/p>\n
Both Port Phillip Ferries 10km winners\u00a0resided in Ocean Grove with Erica Fountain and Nick Wightman taking out the race.<\/p>\n
Women\u2019s Active Feet Half Marathon winner was Ocean Grove local Danni Rogan while Max Ueda took out the men\u2019s race.<\/p>\n
Mr Milne said despite the success, they looked forward to returning to normal in 2022. \u201cWe will be concentrating on going ahead next February.\u201d<\/p>\n
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AFTER facing delays, this year\u2019s Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run took off with four hundred competitors. The event usually attracts more than 1,000 runners but had a reduced capacity as a result of the snap Victorian lockdown, which saw the race cancelled one hour before handing out bibs. Event manager Dion Milne said they decided […]<\/p>\n