Sunday events take runners across country

AN athletics club is running Sunday morning races to get people warmed up this winter.

Bendigo Athletics Club president Justine Babitsch said the group’s cross-country season extends until August, and they want to welcome locals who might like to give the races a go.

“Our motto is health, fun, and fitness, and we’re trying to involve more members of the community,” she said.

“We try to encourage all walks of life in the community to get involved in being more active.”

All the races are in bush settings in and around Bendigo, and the club’s next race will be on Sunday 18 June at Reservoir No 7 on Granter Street in Big Hill.

Ms Babitsch said people can just show up to their first race for free, and if they like it and want to go again, they can either register for the season for $100 or pay $10 per race.

“With each race, we probably give back nearly $200 in prize money,” she said. “More than half of our runners will win back their membership each year.

“Even though we all race together in the same race, there are a lot of different categories you can win.

Although all runners compete together, Babitsch said they also run in different award categories.

“The idea is, you’re handicapped on your ability, and in theory, we all should finish roughly together, so everyone gets a chance to win the race,” she said.

Babitsch also said the group has had about 30 people participate in races so far this year, the youngest aged four.

“She runs with her dad, he runs beside her and holds her hand,” Babitsch said.

Adult races start 10.30am and juniors start following that, depending on the distance of the race.

Senior distances vary between three and 10 kilometres, while juniors always run a one-kilometre course.