Hundreds to run through city’s heart

HUNDREDS will run, jog, or walk for a good cause in the Bendigo Ford-backed Fun Run this Sunday morning.

Whether it be the children’s one-kilometre dash, five- kilometre walk/run, 10- kilometre run, or half-marathon at just over 21 kilometres, all participants are supporting the Bendigo Health Children’s Ward.

Race director Nigel Preston said the fun run could draw between 1250 and 1500 starters.

Among those to run will be Echuca’s Archie Reid who won last year’s 10-kilometre event.

“This is a great hit-out for some other races in March and the lead-up to the cross-country season,” said Reid.

Sunday’s racing will start in Rosalind Park before heading up Gaol Road, past Ulumbarra Theatre, a lap of Queen Elizabeth Oval and then traverse near the Dai Gum San Chinese Gardens precinct.

Those in the longer events will also make their way toward Lake Weeroona and back.

“It’s a great course, especially around the QEO and Chinese Gardens,” said Reid.

“It’s also important to support local events,” said the South Bendigo Athletics Club member who also races for Bendigo Bats in premier division of Athletics Victoria’s cross-country action.

Reid was second in last month’s 5km Frenzy, organised by Bendigo Harriers Athletics Club, on the Flora Hill track.

After Sunday’s race Reid’s focus will move to the Box Hill Classic on Thursday, 9 March and Run For The Kids on 19 March which supports the long-running Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal.