School groups combine for community fun run

A REJUVENATED Alstonville Wollongbar Fun Run is expecting up to 500 competitors this year after the event made a successful return from a 10-year hiatus in 2024.

The fun run has 10km and 5km distances and is a collaboration between the Alstonville High School, Alstonville Public School and Wollongbar Public School P and C groups.

The event attracted 350 entrants last year and will be held again on Sunday, September 14 between 7am and noon at Alstonville High School.

There will be plenty happening on the day with free relays and kids racing along with multiple community groups in attendance.

Event spokesperson Drew Fox said the day was about getting the community connected in a fun and engaging way with live music, food and market stalls.

“It really took on a life of its own last year and it was great to see so many people embrace the event,” Fox said.

“While it raises money for the schools, it’s just as important that we help foster that community connection by bringing everyone together.

“We have all kinds of stalls and people here on the day, our runners find the course challenging, while it really showcases family and town spirit.”

The feature race starts and finishes at the high school with the course extending to Wollongbar and back.

Some of the smaller races are held on the school oval with the 5km and 3km events open to walkers.

Students have designed and made the race t-shirts, while trophies are supplied from its woodwork classes.

The D-Vine Drama Company will be there on the day along with animal rescue and other volunteer groups.

Each race is sponsored by a local business with fancy dress encouraged.

“The day caters for everyone from pram to wheelchair,” Fox said.

“We also have plenty of room undercover at the school, so we can keep people comfortable rain, hail or shine.”

Registrations in all races can be made at eventwizards.com.au/frmRegister.aspx?SeriesID=69