AN inaugural fun run in memory of the late James \u2018Peach\u2019 Petrie will take off this spring.<\/p>\n
The teacher and sportsman\u2019s family and friends are leading the Peach\u2019s Run initiative, set for Saturday 11 November.<\/p>\n
Established to benefit the Ballarat Foundation\u2019s new James Petrie Fund for good mental health, the run and carnival will take place at Lake Wendouree, with an event hub at St Patrick\u2019s Point.<\/p>\n
Mr Petrie\u2019s close friend Beau Adams said the fitness challenge will see teams tackle 33 laps of the Steve Moneghetti Track.<\/p>\n
\u201cThirty-three holds a special meaning,\u201d he said. \u201cJames wore the number 33 for Waubra footy club and was 33 years old when we lost him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got two entry types, the supporter entrants who can run or walk the first six kilometres of Peach\u2019s Run, and the team event for those who are willing and able to be in a team of 11 or more.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe teams will conquer a combined 33 laps, which is 198 kilometres all up, and will take a few hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile that\u2019s happening, at the event hub there\u2019ll be celebrations, activities, food, much-needed coffee, and mental health program activations to drive education and awareness.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ballarat Foundation CEO Andrew Eales said the James Petrie Fund will aim to back local initiatives focusing on good mental health in the community, particularly amongst young people.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have an opportunity to positively respond to these issues of mental illness, and we\u2019re particularly grateful for the support of James\u2019 family, friends, and the Ballarat community, getting behind this fund,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll funds donated will be used to support responses to mental health issues and to help with youth engagement in the Ballarat region.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that\u2019s an incredibly positive way of creating a great legacy in James\u2019 name.\u201d<\/p>\n
A beloved sports and outdoor education teacher at Ballarat High School, Mr Petrie lost his battle with depression in 2022.<\/p>\n
His sister Emma Petrie said he was deeply embedded in the city\u2019s sporting and educational communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cJames kept very fit and was well-known for being a lover of a physical challenge,\u201d she said. \u201cWe believe the run will be a great fit to honour him.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe had a lot of involvement with Ballarat soccer and footy clubs… with secondary schools, and youth engagement.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe enabled the first Ballarat High School Kokoda Trail trek to happen, and was involved with boarding houses at St Pat\u2019s College and Ballarat Grammar.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe this event will help bring all these people together, not just to support each other, but to help raise funds for the James Petrie Fund, supporting mental health needs in Ballarat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Visit peachsrun.com to register for the event.<\/p>\n