Rail trail run well received

KEEN long-distance runners welcomed the start of May with a series of events against the scenic backdrop of Heathcote.

The O’Keefe Challenge was held last Sunday, with the usual marathon and half-marathon, as well as new courses for the 10-kilometre and five-kilometre races, and two Ekiden relays.

Kids also had their chance to join in the fun, with one-kilometre and 500-metre junior races.

Jamie Cook crossed the line first in the men’s marathon with a time of 2.32.38, while Erchana Murray-Bartlett was first in the women’s with a time of 3.15.35.

Event director Nigel Preston said he was thrilled with how the day turned out.

“We had lots of happy runners, glad the weather held up,” he said. “Lots of people came out and just did their best.

“It’s really good to be on the rail trail it’s such a gem to have the rail trail here in Bendigo, people just love running on it.”

The unique Light The Trail social bike ride had to be postponed from last Friday night due to weather, however it has been rescheduled for Friday, 13 May.

All profits of the day, as well as all registrations for the five-kilometre event, go towards the Heathcote Dementia Alliance, who help raise awareness of the disease in the community and are helping create a ground-breaking dementia village.

President of HDA Sandra Slatter said last year’s event raised $6500, with the money spent on establishing a reflective trail to connect the village to the main town.

As part of the O’Keefe Challenge, the first 150 of 3000 trees were planted at the village site.

“This is a fantastic community event, a lot of work goes into it, but everyone just comes together,” Ms Slatter said.

“We’ve had great support, not just from people from Heathcote, but everywhere.”